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katana
katana
katana

The soul of the SAMURAI with a history of over 700 years

A beginner’s guide of the world of Japanese swords “Katana”

katana
Reservation Request

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)
1.Watch the sword forging performance(60min)

2.Try the sword forging(30min)
2.Try the sword forging(30min)

3.A brief seminar learning how to watch and evaluate Japanese swords(30min)
3.A brief seminar learning how to watch and evaluate Japanese swords(30min)

4.Carve your name on a little sword(45min)
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

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.

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