Exploring Nagoya's Samurai Museums
I've lived in Nagoya for nearly ten years now, and if there's one thing I've learned about this often-overlooked city, it's that it has some hidden gems that even many locals haven't fully discovered. For history buffs or anyone fascinated by Japan's warrior past, two museums here have completely changed my understanding of samurai culture.
A Tale of Two Samurai Museums
Tucked away in different corners of the city, the Touken World Room Nagoya Marunouchi and Nagoya Touken World (Meihaku) offer remarkably different takes on samurai heritage. After visiting both last month, I realized they're not competing museums—they're perfect companions.
The cozy Touken World Room feels like being invited into a collector's private gallery, with its quiet atmosphere and carefully selected pieces. Meanwhile, Nagoya Touken World is more like diving headfirst into a living history book, with its sprawling exhibits across multiple floors and hands-on activities that my visiting nephews absolutely loved.
The Touken World Room
A Quiet Treasure
Walking into the sleek Tōken Corporation Marunouchi Building, I wasn't expecting to find such historical riches. The Touken World Room feels almost like a secret club for history lovers. What struck me most was how peaceful it was—I had time to really look at each piece without feeling rushed.
Their Sekigahara Display is something special. This ongoing exhibition showcases artifacts connected to the famous 1600 battle that basically determined Japan's future. Some items were actually used in the battle itself, while others belonged to the commanders and warriors who fought there but weren't necessarily carried onto that particular battlefield. I chatted with a staff member who mentioned they rotate the artifacts regularly, so there's always something new to see if you return.
The attention to detail in the armor collections is incredible—I spent twenty minutes just examining one helmet's metal work and still felt like I'd barely scratched the surface of its craftsmanship. The collection also includes an impressive array of spears, polearms, and some fascinating early firearms that gave me a new perspective on how warfare evolved in Japan.
(For more information on Sekigahara, check out this Facebook Page!)
Nagoya Touken World
History Brought to Life
A 15-minute subway ride away in Sakae, Nagoya Touken World (or Meihaku as the locals call it) offers an entirely different experience. From the moment I walked in, I could tell this place was designed to make history accessible and engaging.
The sword collection alone is worth the trip—around 200 blades, some of which are actual national treasures. But what made this visit memorable was how interactive everything was. In the Samurai Experience Zone, my friend actually tried on a full set of replica armor (and I've got some pretty hilarious photos to prove it). We caught one of the video presentations about famous battles, which used some impressive visuals to help us understand the strategies and significance.
I was fascinated by their ukiyo-e gallery too. Seeing these old woodblock prints of samurai in action gave me context I never had before—these weren't just warriors but cultural icons whose images were the blockbuster movie posters of their day.
After a few hours of exploring, we were pretty exhausted and stopped at the "Uraku" café for some matcha and wagashi. Sitting there surrounded by all that history made even a simple tea break feel special.
Visit Both!
If you'd asked me before which museum to visit, I might have suggested picking just one based on your interests. But after experiencing both, I recommend making time for the complete journey.
Start your morning at the intimate Touken World Room to really appreciate the craftsmanship and details of these historical treasures. Then, head to Nagoya Touken World in the afternoon for the full, hands-on samurai experience. Trust me—the contrast between these two approaches will give you a much richer understanding than either one alone.
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The Details
Touken World Room
Nagoya (Marunouchi)
Hours:
Mon. to Fri. 9:30–17:30
(Closed weekends and public holidays)
Admission: Free
Access
1-minute walk from Marunouchi Station
(Sakuradori/Tsurumai Lines), Exit 1
Address:
Tōken Corporation
Marunouchi Bldg.
2-1-33 Marunouchi
Naka-ku, Nagoya
MAP
Nagoya Touken World (Meihaku)
Hours: 10:00–17:00
(Last entry at 16:30)
Closed Mon. (or the following day if Mon. is a public holiday)
Admission:
General: ¥1,200
Seniors: (65+) ¥1,000
University & High School Students: ¥500
Junior High & Elementary: ¥300
Children under 6 and visitors with disabilities (plus caregiver) are free
Access:
8-minute walk from Yabachō Station (Meijō Line)
Or a 9-minute walk from Ōsu Kannon Station (Tsurumai Line)
Address:
3-35-43 Sakae
Naka-ku, Nagoya
MAP
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