Visit Our Kyoto Stores

Every sword you see on this site can be examined in person at our stores in Kyoto. Hold the blade, feel the balance, and talk with our specialists before you decide — you are always welcome.

Tozando has served collectors and martial artists from Kyoto since 1989. We operate three stores in the city, each with its own character. English-speaking staff are on hand to guide international visitors, and overseas guests can shop duty-free — just bring your passport.

Largest selection · Martial-arts gear

Tozando Shogoin Store

Our flagship store and the best place to browse the widest range of Japanese swords, from antique nihonto to modern blades. Upstairs is a museum-like floor of antique swords and armor. We also carry a full line of martial-arts equipment, so it is the ideal stop if you want to take your time and compare many pieces.

Address 24 Shogoin Entomicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8323, Japan
Hours 11:00 – 19:00
Reservation Not required — walk-ins welcome (closed only during Obon in mid-August and the New Year holidays)
Phone +81 75-762-1341
Easy to visit while sightseeing

Tozando Gion-Yasaka Store

Located directly across the street from the west gate of Yasaka Shrine, in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gion district. If you are sightseeing around Yasaka, Gion, or Kiyomizu-dera, simply cross the road and step inside. A perfect place to see authentic swords, iaido practice blades, replicas, and samurai armor without going out of your way.

Address 542 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0074, Japan
Hours 10:00 – 21:30
Reservation Not required — walk-ins welcome (closed only during Obon in mid-August and the New Year holidays)
Phone +81 75-585-2401
Modern master swordsmiths only

Gallery Tozando

A dedicated gallery showing the work of today's master swordsmiths — newly forged blades by living artisans, displayed and sold in a quiet, focused setting. Located just a minute's walk (about 50 m) from our Shogoin Store, it is the place to appreciate the finest contemporary Japanese swordsmithing. English-speaking staff, including those from the Shogoin Store nearby, are on hand to guide you.

Address 25-19 Shogoin Sannocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8392, Japan
Reservation By appointment until March 2027; open during regular hours from April 2027
Phone +81 75-754-0121
Website tozando-katana.com (website in Japanese; English-speaking staff in store)
Please reserve in advance. Until March 2027, Gallery Tozando is open by appointment only. To arrange a visit, please contact us using the details above or through our contact page, and we will be glad to welcome you.

Planning a Visit?

If you would like to see a specific sword in person, or you are not sure which store to visit, please get in touch before you come. We will make sure the piece you are interested in is ready for you at the right store.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kyoto.

FAQ

Can I visit your stores in Kyoto?

Yes. We have three stores in Kyoto where you can see our swords in person. Our Shogoin and Gion-Yasaka stores welcome walk-ins (closed only during Obon in mid-August and the New Year holidays), while Gallery Tozando is by appointment until March 2027. For locations, hours, and maps, see our Visit Our Kyoto Stores page.

Can I order a custom-made sword from a modern swordsmith?

Yes. We arrange custom orders (chumon-uchi) with contemporary swordsmiths. You can place an order directly from our Newly Forged Katana collection, where the options you choose affect the final price. Both the price and the timeline depend on the swordsmith and the specifications, but production typically takes around one year. Feel free to use the form above with any questions.

How soon will you reply to my inquiry?

We usually reply within 3 business days. If you don't hear from us, please check your spam folder, as our reply may occasionally be filtered there.

Can I ask about a specific sword before buying?

Absolutely. If you have questions about a particular blade — its condition, certification, koshirae, or shipping to your country — please use the form above and our specialists will be glad to help.