Founded in 1989, Tozando was created to provide access to the equipment of the Budo, Japanese martial arts to everyone. This company handles everything from equipment design to sales. The shop helps to convey the traditional culture of Japanese martial arts in compliance with the highest manufacturing standards and traditions of Japanese artisans. Tozando has 4 branches, 3 in Kyoto and 1 in Tokyo. In Kyoto, there are the Nishijin Store, the Shogoin Store and the Kyoto Budogu Store. In Tokyo, there is the Tokyo Showroom.
We visited the Tozando Shogoin Kyoto Store. The Tozando Shogoin is a store specializing in Iaido equipment (including the Iaito, the Gi, the Hakama and accessories) but also has equipment for different other varieties of Budo. On the second floor there are also many Yoroi, Samurai armor and ancient Katana on display and for sale. They also have a variety of products Aikido, Judo and Karate, including bokken, Naginata, Yari... Samurai Armor are very impressive and some katanas, more than 600, worth more than 1 million yen. When we see these exhibits, it was like being in a museum. They can be considered as true masterpieces, as works of art that have passed into history.
If you go to Kyoto, Tozando is a store that you can not miss. Each branch has its specialty, but if you want to see beautiful samurai armor and magnificent katana, you must go to Tozando Shogoin Store near the Heian Temple.