Although buying armor online has become commonplace, many people still prefer to actually touch the equipment before purchasing.

We have compiled a list of recommended kendo equipment stores in Tokyo.

I hope this is helpful.

1. BUSHIZO Shibuya Showroom

This is a select shop-style store that opened in July 2019. The store is easily accessible, within walking distance of Shibuya Station and Ebisu Station.

You can compare and consider products from attractive manufacturers such as Tozando, Mitsuboshi, Eiko Budogu, Matsukan, Nippon Kendo Equipment Manufacturing, and Nishinippon Budogu in one place.

If you come to the BUSHIZO showroom, you no longer have to waste time wandering around martial arts equipment stores.

There's no need to carry heavy protective gear home. After our staff takes your measurements, the gear will be delivered to your home at a later date.

[Business days]
Saturday and Sunday: No reservation required. Opening hours: 11:00. Last entry: 18:00.
Monday to Friday: Advance reservation required by the day before

[Closed days]
Tuesday and Wednesday

[How to make a reservation]
Please let us know your desired date and time using the web form on the following page.
We will adjust the schedule and let you know the confirmed date and time of your visit.

Reservation page here>>>

【address】
Shibuya TY Building 7F, 1-27-10 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0011 *The building has a pharmacy on the first floor.

【train】

・10 minutes walk from the East Exit (Exit 16B) of Shibuya Station on the JR and Tokyu Toyoko lines

・12 minutes walk from the west exit of Ebisu Station on the JR and Hibiya lines

[By car]
There is a paid parking lot near the building.

2. Tokyo Seibudo

https://t-shobudo.com/

This is Tokyo Seibudo, famous for its Iron series.
In particular, "Tekkote" has a loyal fan base.
This is a famous restaurant that is frequented by special training officers from each prefectural police department.
The price is not cheap, but you will find a great product that is well worth it.

3. Kenbudo

Image source: Kenbudo ( http://www.kenbu-do.co.jp/ )
Kenbudo was founded in 1904 and was a frequent visitor to Mori Mochida 20th Dan.
This long-established store has a wide selection of products. They have craftsmen who can assemble bamboo swords, and are well-known for their bamboo sword making.

4. Shokodo

Image source: Shokodo ( http://www.shokodo.com/ )
Shokodo is a long-established general martial arts equipment store founded in 1934.
It's conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Shibuya Station. Aiming to provide highly safe protective gear, it sells it at affordable prices. It's the first in the kendo industry to collaborate with Phiten. It's a martial arts equipment store where tradition and innovation coexist. President Matsumoto is also the representative of the All Japan Budo Equipment Cooperative Association, and is dedicated to promoting the safety of kendo equipment.

5. Hirano Martial Arts Equipment

http://www.hirano-kendougu.com/
Hirano Budo Goods Store is famous for its Ichihiki brand. It is run by Hirano Katsunori, an 8th dan instructor.

　Ichibiki brand kendo equipment has been used by the winners of the All Japan Kendo Championships for six consecutive years (14 times in total). This year, it was also used by the winners, prize winners, and many other participating athletes. All Ichihiki brand kendo equipment is made to order in Japan, with every design and size tailored to the needs of customers from elementary school students to adults. Comfortable armor allows customers to concentrate on judging, matches, and practice. The shop owner, an 8th dan instructor, will answer any questions customers have about kendo equipment and kendo. The shop also has kote gloves used by famous athletes, allowing customers purchasing equipment to experience the actual grip used by athletes.

Hirano Martial Arts Instructor 8th Dan Katsunori Hirano

*Reservations must be made in advance by phone or email.

6. Nambudo

Image source: Nanbudou ( http://www.nanbudou.jp/ )
This is a famous restaurant in Tachikawa run by Hatano Toshio, an 8th dan player.
The location is excellent, just a 5-minute walk from Tachikawa Station.
The website is also comprehensive and the information on how to choose tools ( http://www.nanbudou.jp/choose.php ) is very informative.

Company Name	Nanbudo Kendo Equipment Co. , Ltd.
representative	President and CEO Toshio Hatano
address	Tachikawa store 2F Ozaki Building, 2-1-11 Shibasakicho, Tachikawa City, 190-0023
Business hours	Business hours: 11:00-19:00 Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays

7. Mori Budogu

Image source: Mori Budogu ( http://www.moribudo.co.jp/ )
Mori Budougu is a long-established store founded in 1913.
Special training members also use Mori Budogu hand stitching for competitions.
Their original product "Rakuken" and antibacterial protective gear "Monsieur Beau" are also popular.

Our company began manufacturing and selling kendo equipment in Kodenmacho, Nihonbashi in 1913. We pursue better kendo equipment by combining traditional Japanese techniques with innovative technology, creating comfortable, easy-to-use, and beautifully elegant kendo equipment. All of our kendo equipment is made in dedicated artisan workshops, bringing together the skills of our artisans. We produce kendo equipment for boys and beginners, as well as equipment that meets the needs of All-Japan Kendo Championship winners and high-ranking instructors. We hope you will experience the technology of Mori Budogu for yourself.

8. Tokyo Budogi

http://www.budougu.co.jp/
They create products based on the concepts of "easy to use," "fitting the body," and "original products." They also actively accept repairs, making them a reliable partner. They also carry products from popular manufacturers such as Mitsuboshi, Shichisei, and MUGEN.

9. Arai Martial Arts Equipment

Image source: Google map
Arai Budogu was founded in 1955 (Showa 30 ) and is located within walking distance of Oji Station.

10. Iizuka Martial Arts Equipment

Image source: MINATO Arakaruto (https://www.minato-ala.net/kougei/kougei16/index.html)
Iizuka Budougu is run by Iizuka Naoaki, a craftsman known only to those in the know. If you're looking to create a one-of-a-kind, high-quality hand-stitched item, why not come and talk to him for a consultation? You can also get a glimpse of Iizuka's personality on YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkIl5hePUQc )

11. Edogawa Martial Arts Equipment

Image source: Edogawa Budogu
Edogawa Budougu boasts one of the largest sales floor areas and product selections in Tokyo.
This shop has a particularly wide variety of bamboo swords, making it a highly recommended shop for those who are particular about their bamboo swords. The shop has a long history as a bamboo sword craftsman, and its first owner, Yasutaka Nagasaki, is known for providing technical training in Taiwan and contributing greatly to the spread of kendo.

12. Shobudo

Image source: Shobudo It's in an excellent location, within walking distance of Suidobashi Station.

13. Motozawa Martial Arts Equipment

Image source: All Japan Budo Equipment Cooperative
Motozawa Budougu is a long-established store that has been in business for over 80 years.
It used to be located in Shinjuku, but is now located in Koganei City. It is a famous restaurant with many long-standing fans.

14. Yahata martial arts tools

Image source: Odakyu Life

This is a store specializing in martial arts equipment, which is rare these days. Its tradition can be seen from the fact that it opened before the war. It is located one minute on foot from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station on the Odakyu Line, and the sign can be seen from inside the train. The store is packed with kendo equipment. They have everything you need, from bamboo swords and protective gear for beginners to advanced practitioners, to uniforms. They also apparently do repairs.

15. Isseido

The store mainly stocks products from domestic manufacturers with a proven sales track record, and does not handle inferior overseas products, instead focusing on quality and offering them at low prices.

1-61-1 Toyogaoka, Tama City, Tokyo 206-0031
Tel: 042-401-1618
Fax: 042-401-1631
Business hours: Weekdays: 10:00-19:00 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 10:00-19:00
Closed on Mondays and the first Tuesday of each month (open if both are public holidays)

16. Inoue Martial Arts Equipment

Image source: Google map

Address : 4-38-18 Narita Higashi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-0015

Phone number : 03-3315-8662

Opening hours
Weekdays and Saturdays 9:00-19:00
Holidays and Sundays: 9:30-17:00

Closed days
Every Wednesday, the Thursday following the first and third Wednesday

17. Hakkodo

Hakkodo has stores in Tomigaya, Shibuya and Mitaka. They are famous for their Hakko brand.

The company took the character "Hakko" from the phrase "Hakko Ichiu" (Eight Corners of the World Under One Roof) from the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) and named it Hakkodo, and began business as Tada Sangyo Tokyo Branch Office in 1967 at the location of its current Shibuya flagship store. The following year, the company designed the characters for "Hakko" and established the Hakko brand. Currently, the company operates two stores in Tokyo.

Shibuya Main Store 1-51-1 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo TEL: 03-3467-7816 FAX: 03-3467-7829

Musashino store 2-12-8 Nakamachi, Musashino City, Tokyo TEL/FAX: 0422-51-6712

summary

We have picked out martial arts equipment stores that all have their own unique characteristics.
It would be great if you could find a martial arts equipment store that understands your preferences.