The Seven-Branched Sword: A One-of-a-Kind National Treasure

Deep within the sacred precincts of Isonokami Shrine in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, lies one of Japan's most extraordinary National Treasures: the Seven-Branched Sword, known in Japanese as Shichishitō (七支刀). This remarkable iron blade, forged in the 4th century, is unlike any other sword in the world. With six branch blades extending alternately from both sides of its main blade and an invaluable gold-inlaid inscription on its surface, the Shichishitō stands as one of the most important archaeological artifacts connecting ancient Japan with the Korean Peninsula.

The sword measures approximately 74.8 centimeters in total length, with an exceptionally thin cross-section of just 2 to 3 millimeters. It was designated as a National Treasure of Japan in 1953, recognized not only for its unique physical form but also for the historical significance of the inscription that records one of the earliest known dates in Japanese history.

Historical Background: A Gift from Baekje to Japan

The gold-inlaid inscription on the sword consists of approximately 62 characters across both the front and back surfaces. Although corrosion has made some characters difficult to decipher, scholars have interpreted the text as recording the creation of the sword in a year corresponding to 369 CE during the Eastern Jin dynasty. According to the prevailing interpretation, the crown prince of King Geunchogo of Baekje (a kingdom on the Korean Peninsula) had this sword forged for the King of Wa (ancient Japan), claiming it possessed the power to repel all enemies.

This interpretation aligns with a passage in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), which records that in the 52nd year of Empress Jingū's regency, envoys from Baekje presented a "seven-branched sword" (nanatsu-saya-no-tachi) along with a seven-pronged mirror to the Japanese court. If the scholarly dating is correct, the inscription on the Shichishitō provides one of the earliest absolute dates in Japanese ancient history and serves as a crucial primary source for understanding East Asian diplomacy in the 4th century.

Why Was It Designated a National Treasure?

The Seven-Branched Sword holds its National Treasure status for several compelling reasons. First, its physical form is entirely unique: no comparable sword with branch blades arranged in this manner has been found anywhere else in the world, including China or the Korean Peninsula. The sword was clearly not designed as a practical weapon but rather as a ceremonial or ritual object symbolizing authority and sacred power.

Second, the gold-inlaid inscription is among the most important written records from the ancient period of East Asian history. The 4th century is often referred to by historians as the "blank century" of East Asian history because Chinese historical texts provide very few records about Japan during this era. The Shichishitō inscription, along with the famous Gwanggaeto Stele in present-day China, represents one of the rare contemporary documents that illuminate international relations between Japan, Baekje, and other kingdoms during this period.

Third, the sword is a remarkably well-preserved "transmitted treasure" (densei-hin), meaning it was passed down through generations at Isonokami Shrine rather than being buried and excavated. Having survived approximately 1,600 years through human care and devotion is an extraordinary feat in itself.

Rediscovery in the Meiji Era

For centuries, the true nature of this extraordinary sword had been forgotten at Isonokami Shrine. It was known simply as the "Six-Pronged Halberd" (rokusa-no-hoko) and used as a ritual implement for summoning deities during rice-planting ceremonies. Its transformation from a forgotten ritual tool back into a recognized historical artifact came in 1874 when Kan Masatomo became the chief priest of the shrine.

Kan, a historian who had participated in the compilation of the Dai Nihon Shi (Great History of Japan), closely examined the sword and discovered the gold-inlaid inscriptions on the blade. He removed some of the rust to attempt decipherment, sparking a scholarly investigation that continues to this day. The ongoing research into the inscription's precise meaning remains one of the most fascinating puzzles in Japanese historical studies.

Isonokami Shrine: Home of the Sacred Sword

Isonokami Shrine (Isonokami Jingū) is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, with its history stretching back to at least the 3rd century. Mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, the shrine served as the clan shrine of the powerful Mononobe clan, who were responsible for military affairs in the ancient Yamato court. The shrine also functioned as an imperial armory, storing weapons and sacred regalia.

The shrine enshrines three deities associated with divine swords: Futsunomitama-no-Ōkami, Furu-no-mitama-no-Ōkami, and Futsushi-mitama-no-Ōkami. These deities embody the martial and protective spiritual forces central to early Japanese mythology. The shrine's worship hall (haiden), believed to have been donated by Emperor Shirakawa in the late 11th century, is itself a National Treasure and the oldest existing worship hall of its type in Japan.

Visitors to the shrine will also notice the free-roaming sacred chickens (goshinkai) that inhabit the grounds. Around 30 chickens live on the shrine premises, regarded as divine messengers. Their vivid plumage and lively crowing add a unique charm to the tranquil, cedar-lined atmosphere of this ancient spiritual site.

Viewing Opportunities

The Seven-Branched Sword is housed within the shrine's treasury and is not available for regular public viewing. As a sacred treasure of Isonokami Shrine, it is preserved with the utmost care inside a protective wooden frame with glass panels. However, the sword is occasionally displayed during special exhibitions at national museums. In 2025, for example, the sword was featured in the "Super National Treasures" exhibition at the Nara National Museum, where it also underwent its first-ever X-ray CT scan, revealing new details about its construction.

For visitors who wish to see the sword, monitoring exhibition announcements from the Nara National Museum and other major museums is recommended. Even without seeing the actual sword, the shrine itself offers a deeply moving experience that connects visitors to the same sacred space where this remarkable artifact has been preserved for over 1,600 years.

The Yamanobe no Michi: Japan's Oldest Road

Isonokami Shrine sits at the northern end of the Yamanobe no Michi, considered the oldest road in Japan. This approximately 16-kilometer ancient trail connects Tenri City to Sakurai City along the eastern edge of the Yamato Plain, passing through a landscape of ancient tombs, traditional villages, fruit orchards, and historic shrines and temples.

Walking the trail from Isonokami Shrine southward toward Ōmiwa Shrine is one of the most popular hiking experiences in Nara Prefecture. Along the way, visitors encounter sites such as the ruins of Uchiyama Eikyūji Temple, Yatsuki Shrine with its rare thatched-roof prayer hall, Chōgakuji Temple founded by Kōbō Daishi, and numerous kofun (burial mounds) that dot the countryside. The trail offers panoramic views of the Yamato Plain and the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal journey for those seeking to combine cultural exploration with gentle outdoor exercise.

Nearby Attractions

The area around Isonokami Shrine offers numerous cultural and historical points of interest for visitors.

• Tenri Sankokan Museum — A museum associated with Tenri University featuring archaeological collections from Japan and the ancient Near East.
• Chōgakuji Temple — A Shingon Buddhist temple along the Yamanobe no Michi, known for its Important Cultural Property bell tower gate and beautiful seasonal flowers.
• Ōmiwa Shrine (Miwa) — One of Japan's oldest shrines, located at the southern end of the Yamanobe no Michi, where Mount Miwa itself serves as the sacred object of worship.
• Nara National Museum — Located in Nara City, approximately 40 minutes by train and bus, this museum occasionally hosts exhibitions featuring the Seven-Branched Sword and other treasures from Isonokami Shrine.
• Tenri Station Square CoFuFun — A modern public space at Tenri Station designed in the shape of ancient burial mounds, offering tourist information and rest facilities.