Hanja-no-Ontachi (1603–1867), Japan’s longest sword and interesting things about it

A Japanese sword believed to have been forged in the Edo period.
With a total length of 465 cm and an overall weight of 75 kg, it is believed to be the largest Japanese sword in Japan.

The sword was donated to the shrine in 1859 during the Hanaoka Hachiman Shrine’s imperial memorial ceremony by parishioners who sympathized with imperial patriots like Yoshida Shoin. The sword was forged with the wish that it would repel evil and demons, and create a bright, clean, and peaceful society.

The sword is kept in the Treasure House of the Hanaoka Hachiman Shrine and is not normally exhibited to the public, but it can be seen in the company of a volunteer guide with an advance reservation. It is also exhibited to the public the whole day during the harvest festival on November 3.