Witness the art of an authentic Japanese swordsmith at a katana forge in Kanazawa
2 hour private experience
Location: Asada Tsubata, Kahoku, Ishikawa
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the master
The sole sword maker in Ishikawa Prefecture, Tsuneharu’s quaint studio is located by a series of vast rice fields, where he works to recreate a style of sword before the Muromachi Period (1336-1573). He accumulates domestic iron products distributed during (and before) the Edo Period (1600-1868), such as braces and nails from old houses, agricultural tools, and cooking pots. He welcomes everyone to his studio to see the depth, difficulty, and rawness of this beautiful craft.
What you’ll do
Learn about the history and philosophy of Japanese sword making and then watch a demonstration, forging the iron sand, “Watetsu“ (gem steel/ jewel steel) with a hammer, by Tsuneharu. Wrap things up with a photo session, posing with a completed Japanese Katana made by Tsuneharu!
Who can attend
Children must be 7+
What to wear
Clothing and close-toed shoes you wouldn’t mind getting dirty or potentially affected by spark burns. We recommend clothes that cover your arms and legs.
Availability
Monday to Saturday
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (12:00 - 14:00)
Session 3 (14:00 - 16:00)
What else you should know
This experience is held at an actual swordsmith studio where hot sparks are flying during the sword forging process. As such, please dress accordingly. Please follow the instruction of the master when he asks you to be situated a safe distance away from the fire.
Access
40 min taxi ride from Kanazawa station or 5 min taxi ride (or 15 min walk) from Naka-Tsubata station
Depth, difficulty, and rawness of sword
For centuries, the katana has been more than just a weapon in Japan—it has been revered as the “soul of the samurai,” embodying honor, spirit, and artistry. Even after the arrival of firearms, warriors clung to their swords, believing them to hold spiritual power as well as practical strength. In Ishikawa Prefecture, visitors can meet Tsuneharu, the region’s only remaining swordsmith. His workshop, set beside sweeping rice fields, carries on this ancient tradition. Using iron reclaimed from Edo-period household tools and melted down in a pine charcoal fire, he forges blades that echo the spirit of pre-Muromachi swords. Watching everyday objects reborn as a gleaming katana offers a glimpse into the depth, difficulty, and raw beauty of this time-honored craft. Witness where sparks fly and steel slowly takes the shape of a sword.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
