The Japanese Sword Museum is fully accessible and located near a number of other museums that are sure to please history buffs.

Background Information

The Japanese Sword Museum is run by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK) which was founded in 1948 as an authorized foundation by the government in order to save Japanese swords from confiscation by the occupation forces after  World War II.

The organization aims to conserve Japanese swords that have artistic value and make them open to the public, as well as support the preservation and the development of sword forging and polishing techniques as intangible cultural assets.

The museum is open 9:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30), but closed Mondays (or the following day if the Monday is a holiday), New Years holidays and when changing exhibitions.  Check the website for details. Admission is ¥1,000. Most labels are not in English, but free WiFi is available to make use of guidance via QR codes.

Getting There

The Japanese Sword Museum is 10 minute walk from Ryogoku Station (Sobu Line, Oedo Line).  The stations for each line are accessible.

Accessibility

The museum building is new and very flat. Wheelchair parking is available at the front of the museum.  Tactile paving leads from the entrance to the ticket gate, but after that there are only tactile blocks indicating stairs.

For those with difficulty walking, there are many places to rest and wheelchairs available to borrow if needed.

A small exhibit is on the first floor but the main hall is on the 3rd floor which can be accessed by a large elevator. Items on display are at a good height for wheelchair users.

Accessible toilets are available on the 1st and 3rd floors.

A small rest area offers vending machines and tables for visitors to rest.

Conclusion

The Japanese Sword Museum is near the Edo-Tokyo Museum, Sumo Museum, and Kyu-Yasuda Teien.  If you are interested in Japanese history, then the museum makes for a great stop – especially when combined with one of the other nearby attractions.