Buying a full tang Katana?

Any idea where a good place to buy an authentic Japanese full tang Katana?

Prices ?

Shipping home or pack for plane?

I will be in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima.

Arigatou!

You can't easily export real swords, but if you are looking to buy a nice replica then definitely check out Tozando about a block away from the Kyoto Handicraft Center. You can do a street view tour of the store here:

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.017299,135.779998,3a,75y,164.38h,66.2t...

WOW!
this is really amazing since we are actually staying almost across the street from this VERY SHOP!

We are renting a Machiya about a block west.....

Any other nice places you know of in this area?!

Shopping or sightseeing?

So far our 4 day Kyoto stay includes,

Day one :
A tea ceremony by Camilla.
Lunch walking Maruyama park.
Night time leaf viewing at Eikan-do.

Day 2:
Visit Imperial Palace.
Fushimi inari
Dinner in Gion or by the river.
Day 3 Golden shrine bamboo forest

We could use some resturant suggestions. We want to have a nice sit down dinner one night mid range price. But also would love to visit some smaller places too.....good raman shop is a must!

Any suggested shopping places are also welcome! Thanks so much!
5 months and counting.....

I see that you plan to visit the imperial palace.

Have you made reservation ?
You cannot simply walk into it and visit. You must make reservation on their website (more info on this link http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3917.html).

yes! thanks for the reminder, reservations are on our to do list. our trip is in November so it too early for them now

I visited the palace without reservation. I note Japa-Guide has the following comment:
For a few days in spring and autumn (typically from April 4 to 8 and from October 31 to November 4), Kyoto Imperial Palace can be entered without advance reservation and without joining a tour.