Staff Experience Report

The Samurai Museum opened on September 20, 2015 and has since become very popular among foreign tourists, especially from Europe and America.

Inside the museum, you can see exhibits of swords, armor, and other weapons, allowing you to experience the real “spirit of the samurai.” It’s a hit with foreign tourists because they can also dress up in samurai costumes and take photos, as well as watch sword fighting performances.

Now, let me guide you to the Samurai Museum!

We’ll head towards Godzilla Building (Shinjuku Toho Building) from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. This area is called Kabukicho, a well-known entertainment district. You might wonder, “Is there really a museum around here?” But just turn right on the street behind Godzilla Building, then take a left towards Okubo, and you’ll soon see a big signboard that says “Samurai.”

Inside the museum, about 70 items are displayed, such as Kacchu (armor), Kabuto (helmet), Bugu (arms), etc. collected from domestic and overseas sources.

We joined a tour starting at 4 p.m.

There are about 20 foreigners waiting in front of the information desk and divided into several groups. The tour begins with enthusiastic English-speaking guides.

There is an Information Desk, Samurai Gallery (Exhibition of an Armour) and Souvenir corner on the 1st floor.

The 2nd floor is divided into a small room of Washitsu (Japanese style), where you can see Katana (Japanese Sword), Samurai Gallery, Exhibitions Displayed in Chronological Order and Samurai Costume Photo Studio.

In general museums, it is common to see exhibits through the glass, but here much of the armors are displayed without glass so it can be viewed closely.

The eye-catchers of this museum are that you can experience and take part in photoshoots wearing a Kabuto or a Jinbaori (sleeveless campaign jacket worn over armor). You can take your favorite shots with your own camera or cell phone (from between 10:30 to 20:30).

And another thing, you cannot miss the show of a sword battle acted out by samurai performers, who are active in movies and theaters.
It is a fun show with laughs for guests to experience, and can be watched right in front of your eyes.
The show is held 4 times a day (for about 10-15 min.).

I am very satisfied that I was able to take a picture with performers after the show!
It seems that I was the only Japanese guest this time, but Japanese people can also enjoy it just as much!

Experience photo shooting and the sword battle show, which are both included in admission fee and are free.
Do not miss this chance!

In additional, Samurai Calligraphy Lessons, a Japanese sword course and The Sengoku (the Age of Civil Wars) style fully-armed photo shoots are also available at an additional fee.

■SAMURAI MUSEUM
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/

Information

NOTE: Facilities information such as price, opening hours, closing time or additional details may be subject to change, so please be sure to check the latest information directly at the official site.

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