The katana is a legendary traditional Japanese sword that fascinates blade lovers around the world. It is known for its elegant shape, sharp blade and cultural significance in Japan.
If you are a katana enthusiast and are planning a trip to Japan, you won't want to miss the opportunity to buy an authentic katana.
In this article, we will guide you on where to buy a katana in Japan, how to choose the best blade and answer some frequently asked questions.
We invite you to browse our range of katanas or make a custom katana for yourself.
Where to buy a Katana in Japan: the best stores
If you are looking for an authentic katana, there are several places where you can buy the perfect blade in Japan.
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Tozando Tozando is a popular online katana store that offers a wide selection of high quality Japanese blades at reasonable prices. The store was established in 1989 and is known for its katanas made by renowned smiths. They also have a store in Kyoto, where you can see the katanas in person.
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Aoi-Art is a store specialized in antique katanas and samurai weapons. The store is located in Tokyo and offers katanas from the 17th to the 19th century. If you are an avid collector, Aoi-Art is the place to buy an authentic katana.
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Sanei-Do is another katana store located in Tokyo. The store was founded in 1948 and offers a wide selection of katanas, such as handmade katanas, antique katanas and ceremonial swords.
Buy a Katana in a physical store in Japan:
There are many stores in Japan that sell antique swords. Here is a list of some of the most popular ones.
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Yoshichiro Yamashiro, Okinawa : This store specializes in Okinawa swords, which have a long history and great cultural importance in the region. The store also offers classes to learn the art of swordplay.
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Imai Hamono, Tokyo : This store offers a wide variety of Japanese swords, ranging from ancient to modern swords. The store also offers restoration services for damaged swords.
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Sengo Muramasa, Nagano : This store has a long history of making Japanese swords and knives. The store offers a wide variety of swords, including traditional Japanese swords as well as modern swords.
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Higashiyama Nihon-tōshō-gu, Kyoto : This store offers a wide variety of Japanese swords, including ancient and modern swords. The store also offers restoration services for damaged swords.
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Miyairi Bizen Hamono, Okayama : This store specializes in Bizen swords, which are known for their exceptional beauty and quality. The store also offers classes to learn the art of swordplay.
Buy a Katna in Tokyo:
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Miyamoto Musashi : This store is located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The exact address is 1-14-7 Nihonbashi Kakigaracho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The store offers a wide variety of Japanese swords, including ancient and modern swords.
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Tokyo Sword : This store is located in Taito-ku, Tokyo. The exact address is 3-1-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo. The store offers a wide variety of Japanese swords, including samurai swords and ninja swords.
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Seiyudo : This store is located in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. The exact address is 4-4-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. The store offers antique and modern Japanese swords, as well as ninja weapons.
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Saito Hamono : This store is located in Sumida-ku, Tokyo. The exact address is 2-11-3 Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo. The store offers traditional Japanese swords as well as kitchen knives.
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Tsuruginoya : This store is located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The exact address is 1-12-7 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The store offers high quality Japanese swords, as well as kitchen knives and gardening tools.
How to choose the best Katana for your needs?
Buying a katana can be an expensive and complicated experience. To choose the right katana for your needs, here are some key points to consider:
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The blade material Traditional katanas are made of either carbon steel or bent steel, which have different characteristics in terms of hardness and flexibility. Folded steel blades are often more expensive, as they require a more complex manufacturing process.
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Blade weight Blade weight can vary depending on the style and size of the blade. Lighter katanas are often more maneuverable, but have a lower striking force, while heavier katanas are more powerful, but can be more difficult to handle.
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The type of handle The type of handle can also vary
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The quality of the scabbard The scabbard of the katana is important to protect the blade and must be of high quality to ensure the durability of the blade.
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The price of a katana varies depending on the quality of the blade and the accessories. It is important to define your budget before making your purchase.
FAQs
Q: Is it legal to buy a katana in Japan?
A: Yes, it is legal to buy a katana in Japan, but it is important to check your country's regulations before buying and carrying it.
Q: How much does an authentic katana cost in Japan?
A: The price of a katana varies depending on the quality and accessories, but it can cost between 100,000 and 500,000 yen. We are talking about used antique blades.
Q: How do I transport a katana bought in Japan?
A: Katanas purchased in Japan must be transported in an appropriate case and must be declared to the customs authorities when leaving the country.
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If you are a katana enthusiast, Japan is the ideal place to buy an authentic and high quality blade. Aoi-Art and Sanei-Do stores are the best places to find a high quality blade.
Before purchasing a katana, be sure to consider important factors such as blade material, weight, handle type, scabbard quality and price. With this information and answers to common questions, you can be sure to find the perfect katana for your needs.
