Treasure Trove of Swords Kusanagi-kan, Sword museum at Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, Japan
The Kusanagi-kan is a sword museum in Nagoya housing over 450 Japanese blades, including national treasures and important cultural objects spanning different periods. The collection is arranged in display halls that allow visitors to examine the craftsmanship and details of these historical weapons up close.
The museum opened its doors in October 2021 and preserves a centuries-old collection of swords given as offerings to Atsuta Shrine. The shrine itself houses the sacred Kusanagi blade, which holds deep significance in Japanese tradition.
The swords on display come from major blade-making regions across Japan, each with its own distinctive crafting style and approach. Visitors can observe how these regional traditions shaped the appearance and quality of the weapons through different historical periods.
The museum is located near Jingu-mae Station, making it easily accessible, and operates on a daily schedule. Visitors should allow time to walk through the exhibition halls, particularly if they wish to study the blades closely and try handling replicas in the designated area.
A striking feature is two enormous swords standing over three meters tall displayed as centerpieces in the museum. Visitors can also hold and feel replica blades in a hands-on area to understand their weight and balance in a way photographs cannot convey.
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