How many swords can i take to japan?

[lonely panet]

Hi guys,

 

Im planning a trip to Japan in the near future, and I'm going to take some blades with me for restoration.

I have read that 3 is the max, but a friend of mine seems to think that they will allow up to 5? can anyone confirm this.

 

short of contacting AOI art , I thought I would ask fellow board members first.

 

Also there is a small sword shop just around the corner from AOI art in Tokyo, but I don't know the name of it. can anyone help too please..

 

regards H

[Baka Gaijin]

Good afternoon Hamish,

 

It might be Japanese Sword Hataya.

 

http://en.japantravel.com/photos/Japanese-sword-hataya

 

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Jap ... !1e1?hl=en

 

 

Cheers

[Lee Bray]

I've done it twice and you can take a maximum of three swords.

As you mention Aoi, I assume you're taking them there. Best to get some documentation from them stating that you are taking the swords to them for restoration, preferably in Japanese or bilingual. Both times for me, the police official could not speak much English and my Japanese is non existent, so the documentation helps a lot.

 

NBTHK museum is just round the corner from Aoi, and I know the little shop you mean, but its name escapes me.

[falconj]

Gidday Hamfish,

yes 3 is the limit, and its also very good idea to get dual English-Japanese language letter from Aoi-Art ( or wherever ) explaining to the airport people what swords you are bringing in and for why, ( appraisal, polish etc ) you will need to apply at the airport for a temporary sword licence to take them in on arrival and take them out again on departure from Japan, you need to declare them on your arrival card, don't know where you are leaving from, but when I am leaving from Australia, I take an oshigata to customs, get them to stamp and sign on departure, this saves a lot of hassle on the return, just present their own paperwork for the swords when you get home.

John

[Darcy]

It is indeed Hataya san's shop that is literally around the corner from Aoi Art.

 

Sometimes he is not there so you should make an appointment if you want to visit. I like him a lot. The people in Aoi's shop are friendly and nice too. It's a bit crowded, so don't wear a backpack

[lonely panet]

Hi guys,

 

thank you very much for confirming this for me, I have a O suraige Hizen Wak im thinking of taking over to get Tsuruta San to confirm for me.

 

also im looking at going to some markets too, does anyone know the dates for the sunday market held at the Yasakuni shine car park, are just any cool markets I can visit??

 

thanks again

 

regards H

[lonely panet]

Hello all,

 

well its set, as of the 1st of sept I fly out to Japan for 10 days.

 

wish me luck, hopefully I can get to go the international markets held on the first sunday of each month

 

regards Hamish

[falconj]

I think the ' Hiwajima Antique Fair ' ( spelling ? ) is a good day to go and see,

but I seem to remember it is in May but it might be twice a year, you should check

John

[Guido]

Here's a list of antique fairs (including Heiwajima) and flea markets with schedules: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/trave ... ottou.html