Images courtesy of Atsuta Jingū

Given the fact that Atsuta Jingū serves as a shrine to the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Mitsurugi (草薙神剣), one of the Three Sacred Treasures that form the Imperial Regalia, it is not surprising that swords have been continuously presented as offerings to the shrine since long ago. Even today, the dedications of swords from donors could be said to indicate the strong reverence towards Atsuta Jingū.
The collection of Atsuta Jingū includes 20 swords designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, and 12 swords recognized as Cultural Properties of Aichi Prefecture. Major sword smithing areas such as Yamashiro, Yamato, Sagami, Bizen, Chikuzen, Mino and Owari are represented, as are the historical sword making eras, from old swords through to modern.

The Kusanagi-kan is a display facility, only possible at Atsuta Jingū, for the exhibition of the shrine's collection of precious swords offered in prayer and gratitude to the deities, with glass showcases allowing visitors to view the exhibits from front and back. Among the permanent exhibits are two ōdachi (大太刀, very large long swords) measuring 303cm and 244.6cm in length, known as Magara-dachi and said to have been used by Magara Jurozaemon, a brave warrior known for his intense exploits during the Battle of Anegawa (1570).

Visitors can also view pictures and historical text materials related to swords, and experience the weight of actual Japanese swords (katana and wakizashi), and replicas of the same length and weight as the two Magara-dachi swords, at the Experience Corner.

When: 9:00 - 16:30; Last entry 16:00; Combined admission ticket to Treasure Hall available until 15:30.
Where: Atsuta Jingū (熱田神宮), Atsuta Ward (熱田区)
Access: A 3-minute walk from Jingū-mae Sta. (神宮前駅, NH33) on the Meitetsu Nagoya Line (名鉄名古屋本線); or an 8-minute walk from Atsuta Sta. (熱田駅, CA65) on the JR Tōkaidō Line (JR東海道線); or a 7-minute walk from Jingu Nishi Sta. (神宮西駅, M27) on the Meijo Subway Line (地下鉄名城線).
Admission: Kusanagi-kan only - Adults 500 Yen; Elementary & Junior HS students 200 Yen. Combined admission to Treasure Hall - Adults 800 Yen; Elementary & Junior HS students 300 Yen. (Combined admission may be subject to change during special exhibitions, etc. at the Treasure Hall.)
Website: https://www.atsutajingu.or.jp/jingu/