The Matsumoto City Museum's special exhibition runs from October 2 through November 16, 2025, under a straightforward title: Japanese Swords Are Beautiful. The curator spent two years planning this show, initially considering something more academic before settling on a statement that required no qualification. The space is quiet, well-lit, and organized around pieces that include two National Treasures, Akashi Kuniyuki and Taikō Samonji, alongside swords primarily from the historic Uesugi family collection.
Inside the Exhibit
White display cases line the gallery, each holding one or two pieces at eye level. The lighting picks up the patterns along each blade's edge where white steel meets darker metal. These patterns, called hamon, are both signature and necessity, visible evidence of the forging process.
Bilingual Japanese-English labels accompany every piece with blade length, curvature, period, and maker when known. Some pieces date to the Edo period in the 1600s, others earlier. Photography rules are clearly posted. Certain pieces allow photos, others don't. This is clearly explained by staff and is illustrated in the cases with signage in universal symbols.
More Than Just Katana
The exhibition includes more than japanese blades. There are cases displaying ornate sword stands, sheathes, hilts and shorter companion blades and knife-like tanto. Wall panels explain technical details like hamon pattern variations, with side-by-side comparisons showing the differences, terminology derived from swordsmanship and a room detailing a Japanese swords production process.
The exhibition reveals the balance between function and beauty in these objects. Each served a practical purpose but was finished with attention that goes beyond utility. This exhibit provides the perfect space to admire the swords, and swordsmiths' skills used to forge these masterpieces.
Experience Samurai Culture
In Matsumoto, we offer a number of tours where you can experience samurai life and culture. Enjoy Matsumoto while discovering its feudal past on a samurai tour, with or without an archery experience. We also offer an evening samurai class, all located next to Matsumoto Castle.
Should you visit Nagano City, our offerings extend to this sacred city with our Zenkoji Temple tour and samurai experience, as well as our nighttime samurai training event.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition occupies the second-floor gallery of the Matsumoto City Museum. Admission is 1,100 yen for adults, 700 yen for university students, free for high school students and younger. A combination ticket with the permanent collection costs 1,300 yen. The museum closes on Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a holiday). Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30.
Given the museum's proximity to Matsumoto Castle, this makes a natural complement to a day spent exploring the castle and the city's history. The museum sits on what was once the third courtyard of the feudal castle grounds, within easy walking distance of the castle itself.
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