
Area ▶︎ SEKI
The soul of the SAMURAI with a history of over 700 years
A beginner’s guide of the world of Japanese swords “Katana”
Participants of this experience tour will get to see the sparks flying off of swords made by swordsmiths, as well as hold and use the large hammer themselves. You’ll be sure to be taken in by the power of the Japanese katana as you hold it in your hands, learn to wield it and discover the important points about what to look for. There’s also a “name-engraving experience,” where you can etch your name into a small blade. Even visitors who aren’t interested in swords are sure to see the katana in a different light after this experience.
Katana swordsmiths made their beginning in Seki city during the Kamakura era. In Seki city, the high-quality water drawn from Nagara River, not to mention soil and charcoal can be easily obtained, which was the impetus for more than 300 swordsmiths to offer their services here during the Muromachi era (1336–1573). The traditional skills of these swordsmiths have been passed down to the present day, and Seki city is now one of the few cities in the world where katanas are made.
■ Duration
2H45M
■ Steps
1.Watch the sword forging performance(60min)
2.Try the sword forging(30min)
3.A brief seminar learning how to watch and evaluate Japanese
swords(30min)
4.Carve your name on a little sword(45min)
■ Price
2 travelers = ¥83,000 per person
3 travelers = ¥66,000 per person
4 travelers = ¥58,000 per person
Over 5 travelers
¥46,000~¥53,000 per person
(Include a small japanese sword for individual)
■ Location
Seki Traditional Sword Smith Museum(9-1 Minamikasugacho, Seki
city, Gifu pre.)
3 mins walk from the station “Hamonokaikanmae“
■ Pre-order
14days prior to your scheduled arrival date
■ Capacity
10 travelers ( Minimum :2)
■ What to bring
None.
3 POINTS
1. Learn about the spirit of Japan through the katana—not as a
tool to harm others, but as a holy tool for defending people,
one which is dedicated to the gods.
2. Become an apprentice for a day under a swordsmith who will
entertain you with talks. You’ll be constantly surprised at what
you hear… and you’ll enjoy becoming a “professor of swords”.
3. Make your own real knife, and take it home.
■ NAVIGATOR
Kajita swords Ken Yoshida
He was trained by his father Masao Yoshida and his uncle Masao Yoshida. Designated as the contemporary swordsmiths by Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Explore SEKI
-
Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum
-
Razor Memorial Facility Feather Museum
-
The Pond,such as Monet paintings
Note
1. This is a tour where you can talk with actual craftworkers.
These craftworkers are taking time out of their own busy work
during the day to help, so we ask that you strictly respect their
time and schedule.
2. Experience tour times may vary per person. Please inform us of
the time you need to finish by, if you need to be on time to take
public transportation or have other plans on your agenda.
3. The tools and fittings used by the craftworkers are valuable
personal property. Do not touch any of these items inside of the
atelier without permission.
■ Cancellation
・ Experience tours may be cancelled in the event of bad weather
such as typhoons or heavy rain, in consideration of your
safety.
・ The tour may be cancelled in the event of unforeseen
circumstances on the part of the facilities accepting visitors or
the craftworkers.
・ Cancellations will be decided by 5p.m. prior to the tour day.
Be sure to provide an e-mail address where we can get a hold of
you on the day before the tour.