Visit this Ryogoku museum to learn about the art of Japanese sword-making and see antique samurai katana, sword mountings, scabbards, armour, metalworking tools and other equipment from as far back as the Heian (794-1185) period.
The museum collection comprises about 190 items including several pieces that are designated national treasures of Japan. Exhibitions change regularly so you’ll always find something new to admire when dropping by. The museum also holds lectures on sword appreciation (¥1,000), where you can hold a real katana and learn the specific rules on how to handle it (reservation required; in Japanese only).