Tosogu shops in Tokyo

outlier48 · September 24, 2010

I will be in Tokyo (Shibuya-Ku) at the beginning of December and would like to do a bit of shopping for a "chidori and pine theme" fuchi to replace the one missing from a tsuka that I have. Can anyone recommend any shops in or near that area? Since most of this trip is "free time" and it will be too damned cold to play golf, I plan on visiting the NBTHK museum and nihonto shops in the area. Any other suggestions on things related to nihonto that I should see would also be appreciated.

Regards,

Charles Brashear

Soshin · September 26, 2010

I would recommended visiting Aoi-Art (http://www.aoi-art.com/) they are in Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo near the NBTHK museum. If you can make it to the museum Aoi-Art is just down the street. The first time I visit the museum I made it to Aoi-Art and they were able to direct me to the museum. I am sure there are many other places I haven't been able to visit. I also remember visiting two other shops in Kamakura and Kyoto. Enjoy your trip to Japan.

Yours truly,

David Stiles

Lee Bray · September 26, 2010

There is the Shibata Rei showroom on the 10th floor of the Daimaru shopping centre.

Whole host of fittings plus some very good swords.

Not sure of the address but this is the place.

http://www.daimaru.co.jp/english/tokyo.html

outlier48 · September 26, 2010

David, Lee,

Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely put both places on my agenda.

Charlie Brashear

Lee Bray · September 27, 2010

Make sure to allow a couple of hours at least for Shibata.

I spent that time and more and only had a good look at one sword in hand.

Rich T · September 27, 2010

Personally I would not bother with AOI, and Shibata has mostly average kodogu. I guess it depends on your budget but I would suggest going to Ginza Choshuya, Ginza Seikodo and Japan Sword all in or close to Ginza, as most importantly they all have English speaking staff. If you have good Japanese then you can go anywhere. Don't expect anything to be cheap though, but if that's what you are after, then AOI is probably the place to go.

Also, in Harajuku is Sokendo, they are great and have a lot of excellent kodogu, you just have to ask. Not great on English though.

Oh, that Shibata exhibition Lee mentioned is a once a year event. Their store is also in Ginza.

Have fun, see heaps

Rich

outlier48 · September 27, 2010

Lee, Rich, David,

Thanks for the suggestions. As it turns out, I am sure I will be in both Harajuku and Ginza so I will be sure to see all the recommended stores/exhibits. I am looking for very specific pieces and am looking forward to taking the time and enjoying seeing all these stores and showrooms and museums and exhibits.

Regards,

Charlie Brashear

Lee Bray · September 27, 2010

Rich, Shibata has moved in its entirety to the Daimaru shopping mall.

I was there a couple of months back with a seasoned veteran and one of our destinations was the Ginza for Shibata. We were told that it had moved by the staff at Kunikinyo armour shop as the Daimaru is right across the street from them.

Shibata now has large premises on the 10th floor.