8 Recommended Kendo Armor Shops in Tochigi Prefecture (Updated for 2025) | A Guide to Specialty Stores Where You Can Try on and Purchase Kendo Armor
Update date: April 30, 2025
In recent years, purchasing kendo equipment online has become common, but there are still many kendo practitioners who would like to "try it out for themselves" or "choose after consulting with expert staff."
Purchasing at a physical store can be especially reassuring for those purchasing armor for the first time or those who want to carefully select armor that fits their physique. In this article, we will introduce in detail 8 recommended specialty stores in Tochigi Prefecture where you can purchase kendo armor . We will cover information such as the characteristics of each store, how to get there, and opening hours, so please use this as a reference.
8 Recommended Kendo Armor Shops in Tochigi Prefecture
1. Ujigawa Budogu Main Store (Utsunomiya) and Oyama Store
Ujigawa Budogu is a specialty store that specializes in kendo equipment, offering almost all of its products in its own original form, including the "Zero" series . Its unique manufacturing techniques and quality control have earned it high praise from many swordsmen.
We have two stores, one in Utsunomiya City and one in Oyama City, and both stores are well-known for their attentive service to beginners . Even if you are new to choosing protective gear, you can rest assured that our experienced staff will suggest the best gear for you based on your physique and budget.
Product information and catalogs can also be found on the official website.
http://zero.shichihuku.com/index.html
■ Main store (Utsunomiya store)
■ Oyama store
2. Tashiro Budogu Store
This kendo equipment specialty store is conveniently located right next to Utsunomiya Station. Their philosophy is to create armor that maximizes the swordsman's performance , and they can make detailed adjustments to suit the user's technique and physique.
It is one of the largest stores in the prefecture and is characterized by its extremely wide selection of products. They carry a wide range of items, from bamboo swords and protective gear to kendo uniforms, hakama, and accessories, so you can get everything you need in one go. The appeal of a large store is that you can actually compare many products before making your selection.
Official website: http://tashiro-budogu.com/
3. Watanabe Budogu Store
This locally-based martial arts equipment store is located about a 12-minute walk from JR Oyama Station. Despite its easy access, there is also parking space available , so you can also come by car.
This long-established store has been loved by local kendo enthusiasts for many years, and you can choose your kendo equipment in a friendly atmosphere. Its location makes it especially convenient for those living in the Oyama area.
4. Juntoku
This kendo equipment specialty store is located in the same Oyama area as Watanabe Budoguten, about a 12-minute walk from JR Oyama Station.
The store is closed every Tuesday, and sells kendo equipment from 10:00 to 19:00 . It also has a parking lot, making it convenient for visitors from far away. If you want to compare multiple martial arts equipment stores in Oyama City, we recommend visiting Watanabe Budogu Store as well.
5. Sato Budougu
This kendo equipment store is located in the Nikko area, about a 9-minute walk from JR Imaichi Station. It has a reputation for providing friendly assistance with kendo equipment , and is highly trusted by local kendo enthusiasts.
The store is open from 9:00 to 19:00 , making it easy to stop by on your way home from work or school. There is parking for three cars. This store is especially recommended for those looking for kendo equipment in the Nikko/Imaichi area.
6. Fukuda Budogu Store
This martial arts equipment store is located about a 20-minute walk from Tobu Utsunomiya Station on the Tobu Utsunomiya Line, adjacent to the Tameshukan Dojo . Due to its proximity to the dojo, we are able to select products that reflect the opinions of actual kendo practitioners.
They have a wide selection of kendo equipment, and can not only sell ready-made items but also create original armor . This shop is recommended for those who want to make their own armor or who need armor with special specifications. There is parking for three cars in front of the store.
7. Narumiya Sports
This general sports goods store is located in Otawara City, and while table tennis equipment is its main product , it also carries kendo-related goods.
While bamboo swords, kendo uniforms, and hakama are always in stock , you must order protective gear from a catalog. However, they offer a service where you can have your body measured in-store, so even first-time protective gear buyers can rest assured. Business hours are 9:00-19:00 (10:00-19:00 on Saturdays only), and there is parking space for 5-6 cars.
The benefits of purchasing kendo equipment at a physical store
- You can actually touch and feel the armor: You can directly check the weight, texture, stitching, etc.
- Try-on: Ensure you find the right size for your body type
- Consult with expert staff: Experienced staff will give you advice based on your level and purpose.
- Same-day takeaway available: If in stock, you can purchase and take home on the spot.
- Comprehensive after-sales support: It is easy to consult about maintenance such as repairs and adjustments.
Kendo equipment store map by area in Tochigi Prefecture
Kendo equipment stores in Tochigi Prefecture are mainly concentrated in the following areas:
- Utsunomiya area: Ujigawa Budogu Main Store, Tashiro Budogu Store, Fukuda Budogu Store
- Oyama area: Ujigawa Budogu Oyama store, Watanabe Budogu store, Junatsu
- Nikko/Imaichi area: Sato Budougu
- Otawara Area: Narumiya Sports
Choosing a store close to your home or practice location will make it easier to receive maintenance and follow-up after purchase.
For those who find it difficult to go to a physical store
For those who say, "There is no kendo equipment store nearby" or "You are too busy to go to a store," we also recommend our online shop, which boasts one of the largest selections in Japan .
BUSHIZO offers a wide range of kendo equipment for beginners to advanced practitioners, with detailed product descriptions and photos to help you make your selection with confidence.
Check out the BUSHIZO official websiteSummary: Find the right kendo equipment store in Tochigi Prefecture
Tochigi Prefecture has many kendo equipment stores that can cater to a wide range of needs, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Each store has its own unique features and strengths, so it's a good idea to use the following points to help you choose:
- Location and access: Is it easily accessible from your home or dojo?
- Product range: Do they carry the products and brands you want?
- Specialty: Can you develop original products and make special armor?
- Service: Is there sufficient support and follow-up for beginners?
- Opening hours: Can you visit according to your schedule?
If you are purchasing kendo equipment for the first time, we recommend that you first visit a physical store and consult with a specialist staff member. By actually holding the product in your hands and trying it on, you will be able to find the equipment that is best suited to you.
Another good idea is to visit multiple stores and compare them . In particular, there are multiple martial arts equipment stores in the Oyama area, so you can visit multiple stores at once and compare them.
Finding a reliable martial arts equipment store is extremely important when continuing your kendo practice in Tochigi Prefecture. We hope that the eight stores introduced in this article will become good partners that support your kendo life.
Armor Set
面
Kote
胴
垂
Dogi
袴
bamboo sword
wooden sword
armor bag
Bamboo sword bag
Small items
gift
Books/DVDs
cleaning
Armor repair
Kendo mask
Iaido
Japanese swords and art swords
Mitsuboshi
Tozando
Matsukan
Japan Kendo Equipment Factory
West Japan Martial Arts Equipment
Glory Martial Arts Equipment
Nobutake
Busougi
Hakataya
Shokodo
Flag Ito

Value Set
Armor Set
面
Kote
胴
垂
Dogi
袴
bamboo sword
wooden sword
armor bag
Bamboo sword bag
Small items
gift
Books/DVDs
cleaning
Armor repair
Kendo mask
Outlet
Iaido
Japanese swords and art swords
Mitsuboshi
Tozando
Matsukan
Japan Kendo Equipment Factory
West Japan Martial Arts Equipment
Glory Martial Arts Equipment
Nobutake
Taiyo Industry
Busougi
Hakataya
Shokodo
Flag Ito
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