Tenka Goken: Japan’s Five Great Swords
Japan is famous for its samurai and beautifully crafted swords, but only a few blades have achieved truly legendary status.
Among them are the Tenka Goken, or the Five Great Swords of Japan.
These five famous swords are Dojigiri Yasutsuna, Onimaru Kunitsuna, Mikazuki Munechika, Odenta Mitsuyo, and Juzumaru Tsunetsugu.
Each sword has its own history, legends, and connections to powerful samurai, temples, shoguns, or the Imperial Family.
Today, they are valued not only as weapons, but also as important works of Japanese art and history.
In this guide, we will introduce all five Tenka Goken, explore the stories behind them, and explain where you may be able to see these legendary swords in Japan.
- What Are the Tenka Goken?
- The Tenka Goken at a Glance
- Dojigiri Yasutsuna: The Legendary Demon Slayer
- Onimaru Kunitsuna: The Imperial Sword
- Mikazuki Munechika: The Crescent Moon Sword
- Odenta Mitsuyo: The Mysterious Sword of the Maeda Family
- Juzumaru Tsunetsugu: The Sword of Prayer
- Where Can You See the Tenka Goken in Japan?
- Why Japanese Swords Are More Than Weapons
- Final Thoughts
What Are the Tenka Goken?
The Tenka Goken (天下五剣) are five of the most famous and highly regarded Japanese swords in history.
The name can be translated as the “Five Swords Under Heaven,” although they are often described more naturally in English as Japan’s Five Great Swords.
The five swords traditionally known as the Tenka Goken are:
- Dojigiri Yasutsuna
- Onimaru Kunitsuna
- Mikazuki Munechika
- Odenta Mitsuyo
- Juzumaru Tsunetsugu
These swords are not simply famous because they are old. Each one is connected to important figures, historical events, religious traditions, or legendary stories from Japan.
They are tachi, an older style of Japanese sword that developed before the katana became widely associated with samurai.
One easy way to tell the difference is how they were traditionally worn. A tachi was usually suspended from the belt with the cutting edge facing downward, while a katana was generally worn through the belt with the cutting edge facing upward.
For international visitors, this is an interesting detail because many people use the word “katana” for almost every Japanese sword. However, many of Japan’s most famous historical swords are actually tachi.
Today, the Tenka Goken are valued not only as weapons from Japan’s past, but also as important works of craftsmanship, art, and cultural history.
The Tenka Goken at a Glance
Before looking at each sword in detail, here is a quick overview of the five Tenka Goken.
| Sword | Swordsmith | Period | Designation / Status | Current Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dojigiri Yasutsuna | Hoki Yasutsuna | Heian period | National Treasure | Tokyo National Museum |
| Onimaru Kunitsuna | Awataguchi Kunitsuna | Kamakura period | Imperial Property | Imperial Household Collection |
| Mikazuki Munechika | Sanjo Munechika | Heian period | National Treasure | Tokyo National Museum |
| Odenta Mitsuyo | Miike Denta Mitsuyo | Heian period | National Treasure | Maeda Ikutokukai |
| Juzumaru Tsunetsugu | Aoe Tsunetsugu | Kamakura period | Important Cultural Property | Honko-ji Temple, Hyogo |
Each sword has a very different story.
Dojigiri Yasutsuna is famous for the legend of defeating the demon Shuten-doji, while Onimaru Kunitsuna is connected to another supernatural story involving a demon.
Mikazuki Munechika is especially admired for its beautiful crescent-shaped tempering patterns.
Odenta Mitsuyo is associated with the Maeda family and mysterious stories of healing and protection.
Juzumaru Tsunetsugu is unusual among the five because of its strong connection to Buddhism and the monk Nichiren.
We will look at each of these legendary swords in more detail below.
Dojigiri Yasutsuna: The Legendary Demon Slayer
Dojigiri Yasutsuna is one of the most famous swords among the Tenka Goken and is designated a National Treasure of Japan.
The sword was made by Yasutsuna, a swordsmith from Hoki Province, an area that is now part of western Tottori Prefecture.
It dates back to the Heian period and has a blade length of approximately 80 cm.
Like the other Tenka Goken, Dojigiri Yasutsuna is a tachi rather than a katana.
Its elegant curved shape and distinctive temper pattern make it an important example of early Japanese sword craftsmanship.
The Legend of Shuten-doji
The name “Dojigiri” literally means “Demon Child Cutter,” and it comes from one of Japan’s most famous supernatural legends.
According to the story, the warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu, also known as Minamoto no Raiko, traveled to Mount Oe with his companions to defeat a powerful demon named Shuten-doji.
Shuten-doji was said to have kidnapped people from Kyoto and lived in a mountain stronghold surrounded by other demons.
Yorimitsu eventually defeated Shuten-doji and, according to later sword records, used this sword to cut off the demon’s head.
This is why the sword became known as Dojigiri Yasutsuna.
However, it is important to remember that this story is a legend rather than a confirmed historical event.
The Shuten-doji story is believed to have developed centuries after the sword itself was made and later became one of Japan’s best-known tales of warriors fighting supernatural creatures.
Who Owned Dojigiri Yasutsuna?
Dojigiri Yasutsuna also has an impressive history of ownership.
Over the centuries, the sword was associated with some of the most powerful figures in Japanese history, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Tokugawa Hidetada.
It later passed to the Matsudaira family and was eventually handed down through the Tsuyama domain.
This long history of ownership helped strengthen the sword’s reputation as one of Japan’s most prestigious blades.
Where Is Dojigiri Yasutsuna Today?
Today, Dojigiri Yasutsuna is part of the collection of the Tokyo National Museum and is designated a National Treasure.
You can learn more about the sword on the official e-Museum page for Dojigiri Yasutsuna.
However, the sword is not permanently displayed.
Japanese museums often rotate fragile historical objects, including swords, so visitors should check the Tokyo National Museum’s official exhibition schedule before planning a visit specifically to see Dojigiri Yasutsuna.
Onimaru Kunitsuna: The Imperial Sword
Onimaru Kunitsuna is a tachi made by the famous swordsmith Awataguchi Kunitsuna during the Kamakura period.
The blade is approximately 78 cm long and is known for its powerful, deeply curved shape.
Among the Tenka Goken, Onimaru Kunitsuna is especially unusual because it is preserved as Imperial Property.
Unlike several of the other Five Great Swords, it is not designated as a National Treasure or Important Cultural Property. Instead, it is kept as part of the Imperial collection.
Why Is It Called “Onimaru”?
The name “Onimaru” means something close to “Demon Sword” and comes from a famous story recorded in the medieval war tale Taiheiki.
According to the legend, Hojo Tokimasa, one of the most powerful figures of the early Kamakura shogunate, was repeatedly troubled by a small demon that appeared in his dreams.
One night, an old man appeared in his dream and claimed to be the spirit of Kunitsuna’s sword.
The spirit said that the blade wanted to protect Tokimasa but could not leave its scabbard because it had become rusty.
Tokimasa cleaned the sword and left it unsheathed near his bed.
The sword then reportedly fell by itself and cut through part of a nearby brazier.
When Tokimasa examined it, he discovered that the severed decoration was shaped like the same demon that had appeared in his dreams.
After that, the demon disappeared, and the sword became known as Onimaru.
A Legend with a Historical Mystery
There is an interesting problem with this story.
The Taiheiki identifies Hojo Tokimasa as the owner of the sword, but the dates do not perfectly match the period in which the swordsmith Kunitsuna is believed to have worked.
Because of this, some later versions of the story identify Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth regent of the Kamakura shogunate, instead.
There is no way to confirm that the supernatural event actually happened, so the story is best understood as one of the legends that developed around this famous sword.
For visitors interested in Japanese history, this is a good example of how historical figures, real objects, and folklore can become closely connected over many centuries.
Where Is Onimaru Kunitsuna Today?
Today, Onimaru Kunitsuna is preserved as Imperial Property and is managed by the Imperial Household.
This makes it very different from swords such as Dojigiri Yasutsuna and Mikazuki Munechika, which belong to the Tokyo National Museum.
Onimaru Kunitsuna is not normally available for public viewing, and opportunities to see the actual sword are extremely rare.
For travelers, this means Onimaru is probably the most difficult of the Tenka Goken to see in person.
Because opportunities to see Onimaru Kunitsuna are extremely rare, check the Museum of the Imperial Collections exhibition schedule for the latest information before planning your visit.
Mikazuki Munechika: The Crescent Moon Sword
Mikazuki Munechika is one of the most famous and visually admired swords among the Tenka Goken.
It was made by the swordsmith Sanjo Munechika during the Heian period and is designated a National Treasure of Japan.
The blade is approximately 80 cm long and has a strong curve near the base, while the upper part of the blade is much straighter.
This shape is considered an excellent example of an early style of Japanese sword making.
Today, Mikazuki Munechika is part of the collection of the Tokyo National Museum.
Why Is It Called “Mikazuki”?
The name “Mikazuki” means “crescent moon” in Japanese.
The sword received this name because crescent-shaped patterns can be seen in its hamon, the temper pattern along the cutting edge of the blade.
These small curved patterns resemble a thin crescent moon, giving the sword its distinctive and poetic name.
This is one reason Mikazuki Munechika is often admired not only as a weapon, but also as a work of art.
For visitors unfamiliar with Japanese swords, the hamon is especially interesting because it is not simply decoration.
It is created during the hardening process of the blade and reflects both the technique and artistic style of the swordsmith.
A Sword Passed Down Through Powerful Families
Mikazuki Munechika also has an important history of ownership.
It was once owned by Kodai-in, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
After her death, the sword was given to Tokugawa Hidetada, the second shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.
It was then passed down through the Tokugawa family for generations.
This connection to some of the most powerful families in Japanese history helped strengthen Mikazuki Munechika’s reputation as one of Japan’s most prestigious swords.
Where Is Mikazuki Munechika Today?
Today, Mikazuki Munechika is preserved at the Tokyo National Museum and is designated a National Treasure.
You can see detailed information and images on the official e-Museum page for Mikazuki Munechika.
However, like many important historical objects in Japan, it is not permanently displayed.
The sword is shown only during selected exhibitions, so travelers who want to see it should check the Tokyo National Museum’s official exhibition schedule in advance.
Because Mikazuki Munechika is one of the most famous swords in Japan, special exhibitions featuring it can attract considerable attention.
Odenta Mitsuyo: The Mysterious Sword of the Maeda Family
Odenta Mitsuyo is one of the Tenka Goken and is designated a National Treasure of Japan.
It was made by the swordsmith Mitsuyo, who is associated with the Miike school of sword making in Chikugo Province, in present-day Fukuoka Prefecture.
The sword dates to the Heian period and has a blade length of approximately 66 cm, making it shorter than several of the other Tenka Goken.
Its strong curve and broad shape give Odenta Mitsuyo a powerful appearance.
The inscription on the tang reads “Mitsuyo saku,” meaning “made by Mitsuyo.”
Today, Odenta Mitsuyo is owned by the Maeda Ikutokukai, a foundation that preserves cultural treasures passed down through the Maeda family.
More information about Odenta Mitsuyo can be found in Japan’s official Cultural Heritage Database.
Why Is Odenta Mitsuyo So Famous?
Odenta Mitsuyo is famous not only for its craftsmanship, but also for the mysterious stories that have surrounded it for centuries.
One of the best-known legends is connected to Go-hime, the daughter of the samurai lord Maeda Toshiie and an adopted daughter of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
According to the story, Go-hime became seriously ill.
Odenta Mitsuyo was placed near her pillow, and she reportedly recovered.
When the sword was returned, however, her illness was said to have returned as well.
After the sword was brought back to her, she recovered once again.
Because of stories like this, Odenta Mitsuyo came to be regarded as more than just a weapon. It developed a reputation as a sword capable of protecting its owner from illness and evil spirits.
Of course, these supernatural stories are legends rather than historically proven events, but they are an important part of the sword’s cultural history.
The Sword Said to Ward Off Evil
Another famous story connects Odenta Mitsuyo with a supernatural rumor at Fushimi Castle.
According to the legend, people claimed that something mysterious would stop them from walking through part of the castle late at night.
Maeda Toshiie reportedly decided to investigate the story himself.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi lent him Odenta Mitsuyo for protection before he entered the castle.
Toshiie carried the sword through the supposedly haunted area, but nothing unusual happened.
The story later helped strengthen Odenta Mitsuyo’s reputation as a sword that could ward off supernatural forces.
There are different versions of how Odenta Mitsuyo eventually came into the possession of the Maeda family, so this story should be understood as part of the sword’s legend rather than a confirmed historical account.
From Toyotomi Hideyoshi to the Maeda Family
Odenta Mitsuyo also has a prestigious history of ownership.
The sword was once treasured by the Ashikaga shogun family and later came into the possession of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the most powerful figures in Japanese history.
Hideyoshi later gave the sword to Maeda Toshiie.
From then on, Odenta Mitsuyo was carefully preserved by the Maeda family as one of its most important treasures.
This connection continues today, as the sword is now owned by the Maeda Ikutokukai.
Where Is Odenta Mitsuyo Today?
Today, Odenta Mitsuyo is owned by the Maeda Ikutokukai and is designated a National Treasure of Japan.
Unlike swords that belong to a major public museum, Odenta Mitsuyo is not permanently available for visitors to see.
It is occasionally displayed in special exhibitions, so opportunities to see the actual sword depend on the exhibition schedule.
If you are interested in seeing Odenta Mitsuyo during your trip to Japan, check official museum exhibition information before visiting.
Juzumaru Tsunetsugu: The Sword of Prayer
Juzumaru Tsunetsugu is one of the Tenka Goken and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
It is a tachi from the Kamakura period and bears the signature of the swordsmith Tsunetsugu.
The blade is approximately 83.7 cm long with a curvature of about 3.9 cm, making it one of the longest swords among the Tenka Goken.
Unlike several of the other Five Great Swords, which are closely associated with famous warriors and powerful samurai families, Juzumaru Tsunetsugu is best known for its connection to Buddhism and the Buddhist priest Nichiren.
Today, the sword is preserved at Honko-ji Temple in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture.
Why Is It Called “Juzumaru”?
The name “Juzumaru” is closely connected to the Buddhist priest Nichiren.
According to tradition, Nichiren was given the sword for protection when he entered Mount Minobu in present-day Yamanashi Prefecture.
Rather than treating it simply as a weapon, Nichiren is said to have wrapped Buddhist prayer beads, called juzu in Japanese, around the sword.
This is believed to be the origin of the name “Juzumaru,” which can be translated roughly as “the sword with prayer beads.”
The story makes Juzumaru very different from swords such as Dojigiri Yasutsuna and Onimaru Kunitsuna.
While those swords are famous for legends involving demons, Juzumaru is remembered for its connection to religious faith and Buddhist practice.
While those swords are famous for legends involving demons, Juzumaru is remembered for its connection to religious faith and Buddhist practice.
If you plan to visit temples or shrines during your trip, you may also want to read our guide to Japanese shrine and temple etiquette.
The Sword That Disappeared and Was Rediscovered
Juzumaru Tsunetsugu also has an unusual history after its association with Nichiren.
The sword was preserved at Kuon-ji Temple on Mount Minobu for many years, but at some point it left the temple and its whereabouts became unknown.
According to local historical records, the sword was rediscovered around 1919 by sword expert Shozo Sugihara, who lived in Amagasaki.
It was later donated to Honko-ji Temple, where it has been carefully preserved ever since.
This period of disappearance and rediscovery adds another fascinating chapter to the sword’s long history.
Where Can You See Juzumaru Tsunetsugu?
Today, Juzumaru Tsunetsugu is preserved at Honko-ji Temple in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture.
Amagasaki City also provides official information about Juzumaru Tsunetsugu and its history.
The sword is not on permanent public display.
However, Honko-ji traditionally opens its cultural treasures to the public during its annual Mushiboshi-e event on November 3.
This makes Juzumaru particularly interesting for travelers because there is a specific annual opportunity to see the sword.
Exhibition details can change, so if seeing Juzumaru Tsunetsugu is an important part of your trip, check the official Honko-ji website before visiting.
Where Can You See the Tenka Goken in Japan?
Seeing one of the Tenka Goken in person can be more difficult than many travelers expect.
These swords are extremely valuable historical objects, and most of them are not permanently displayed.
They may be kept in storage, rotated out of exhibitions, or temporarily moved to another museum for a special exhibition.
Here is a quick guide to where each sword is preserved and where you should check for the latest exhibition information.
| Sword | Current Owner / Location | Viewing Information |
|---|---|---|
| Dojigiri Yasutsuna | Tokyo National Museum | Check the Tokyo National Museum official exhibition schedule |
| Onimaru Kunitsuna | Imperial Collection | Check the Museum of the Imperial Collections exhibition schedule; public viewing is very rare |
| Mikazuki Munechika | Tokyo National Museum | Check the Tokyo National Museum official exhibition schedule |
| Odenta Mitsuyo | Maeda Ikutokukai Foundation | Usually shown only in special exhibitions; check museums such as the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art and Tokyo National Museum |
| Juzumaru Tsunetsugu | Honko-ji Temple, Hyogo | Traditionally displayed during the annual Mushiboshi-e event on November 3 |
Important Before You Visit
The locations above do not mean that the swords are always on display.
Important cultural properties in Japan are often exhibited only for limited periods. A sword may be kept in storage for preservation or temporarily loaned to another museum for a special exhibition.
Exhibition schedules can also change without notice.
If seeing a specific Tenka Goken is one of the main reasons for your trip, always check the latest information on the official website before visiting.
Why Japanese Swords Are More Than Weapons
Japanese swords were originally created as weapons, but their value goes far beyond their practical use.
A traditional Japanese sword reflects the skill of many craftspeople, including swordsmiths, polishers, scabbard makers, and metalworkers.
Even the blade itself contains details that can be appreciated as works of art.
One of the most famous features is the hamon, the visible temper pattern along the cutting edge.
The shape of the blade, the grain of the steel, and the style of the hamon can all reveal differences in period, region, and sword-making tradition.
For this reason, many important Japanese swords are preserved today as cultural properties and museum objects rather than as weapons.
The Tenka Goken are especially important because they combine exceptional craftsmanship with centuries of history, legends, and connections to powerful families, temples, and the Imperial Household.
For many Japanese people today, famous swords such as these are not simply reminders of samurai warfare.
They are also important examples of Japanese craftsmanship, history, and cultural heritage.
Final Thoughts
The Tenka Goken are more than just five famous Japanese swords.
Each blade has its own history, legends, craftsmanship, and connection to important people, temples, or families in Japan.
From the demon-slaying story of Dojigiri Yasutsuna to the Buddhist traditions surrounding Juzumaru Tsunetsugu, the Five Great Swords offer a fascinating way to explore Japanese history and culture.
For travelers, seeing one of these swords in person can be a special experience.
However, most of the Tenka Goken are not permanently displayed, and exhibition locations may change depending on special exhibitions and preservation schedules.
If you hope to see a specific sword during your trip, always check the latest information from the museum, temple, or official organization before visiting.
Even if you cannot see the original sword in person, learning the stories behind the Tenka Goken can make visits to museums, castles, temples, and historical sites in Japan even more meaningful.
If this is your first trip to Japan, check out our first-time Japan travel guide for practical tips on transportation, money, food, etiquette, and more.
