I am going to Japan for 12 days in March as a part of a Travel course for my college. My boyfriend is a black belt and obsessed with everything Martial Arts. I wanted to get him a Katana or something related. I realize I can't just get on the plane home with it. How would I go about getting it home??
Thanks
2007-10-01 17:40:56 · 4 answers · asked by dev_wilmot 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
A real katana is expensive and needs documentation. Why don't you get him a makiwara or a bokken, or even sport chambara gear?
2007-10-02 05:00:17 · answer #1 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A real katana is expensive as hell and if made in the traditional manner could take in upwards of 2 years to finish and cost several thousand dollars.
Cheaper, mass produced ones can still be good but don't buy it from just any store you see as you could wind up paying a lot for some junk.
And you can carry swords on planes. I've done it, but it needs to be done properly. If it fits in your checked luggage you can bring it back that way. I'd suggest you either using a TSA approved lock or find some way to secure the contents however.
The other way to bring it back is for it to be treated as "sports equipment". They'll stick it in the hold with the rest of the luggage and you can pick it up at your destination.
2007-10-04 18:19:58 · answer #2 · answered by JavaJoe 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Purchasing a real katana is pretty much impossible and illegal for everyone. You can purchase souvenir katana at tourist shops. Due to FAA regulations and safety guidelines, you will have to ship the katana from store. I noticed that the stores can help with shipping it to your home. You cannot carry it into the airport at all, you will not get past the first security and ID check gate.
2007-10-02 00:49:06 · answer #3 · answered by wuzaracer 6 · 6⤊ 3⤋
Just wrap it up carefully and put it in your checked luggage.
I'm sure the store where you buy it can also assist you.
Don't take this the wrong way, but do you know anything about swords? If not, you could wind up with a piece of junk.
Here is a link to a sword shop in Toranomon.
http://www.japansword.co.jp/
Wuz, when you don't know what you are talking about, please don't just fake it. I have taken all manner of blades on airplanes (checked of course) and the FAA allows pretty much anything onboard as long as its not in the cabin.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#7
Regarding registry and export of swords:
http://www2.una.edu/Takeuchi/DrT_Jpn_Culture_files/Nihon_to_files/SwordLawLetter.htm
2007-10-01 20:18:39 · answer #4 · answered by Buddha-rama 4 · 1⤊ 5⤋