Do Local Museum Exhibitions Have Any Advantages? : A Good Chance To Enjoy Japanese Swords

Generally speaking, special exhibitions at major museums are always very popular since they show many famous pieces or extremely valuable items, far more than local museums can. Is it always better to choose famous big museums over local museums? I think local museums also have their advantages.

If you love historical artifacts or Japanese Samurai, there is an interesting exhibition at a local museum named Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. The museum is located in Hachioji city, Tokyo and now holding a special exhibition of Japanese swords "Katana-A Millennium of Swordsmith Mastery". 

In the exhibition, visitors can enjoy a large number of various Japanese swords from ancient to modern times, and explanations on Japanese sword makings, swords accessories and Samurai armors. For those who love Japanese swords, there is even a space to look at a sword close up shown in the upper right hand side photo. People can sit on the Tatami-mat and look at every details of the sword.

The museum is about one hour away from the center of Tokyo, and is never crowded. This is the biggest advantage over the major museums in the center of Tokyo. You don't have to wait in a line nor feel tired from pushing your way through the crowd. What's more, you can take photos of most exhibits at this Japanese swords exhibition. this is completely different from most major museums in Japan where taking photos of exhibits are strictly prohibited. 

In addition, there is a fun event space outside of the exhibition. As shown in lower right hand side photo, anybody can try on replicas of Samurai armors made of cardboard. Although they are made of paper, they are very well made with excellent craftsmanship. 

The exhibition continues to July 3rd in 2016. The space of fitting replica armors are open between 10 am and 4 pm.