Immerse in the pinprick-sharp beauty of blades at a traditional razor forge
2 hour private experience
Location: Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Learn the techniques behind forging kamisori razor blades from a nationally recognized artisan. Observe the master demonstrate the different steps of finishing a blade. Then, experience a small portion of the forging process yourself under the guidance of the master.
Who can attend
Children must be 12+
What to wear
Comfortable clothing that doesn't prohibit your movement and that you don’t mind getting dirty
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (13:30 - 15:30)
Access
55 minutes by car from Niigata Station
20 minutes by car from Tsubame-Sanjo Station
In the Nick of It
While the beauty of the blade is ubiquitous in Japan, the might of the katana might claim attention. Less celebrated, but no less refined in elegance, is the shaving blade. Possessing a formidable sharpness in a handheld size and capable of cleanly cutting even the shortest of stubble safely off of skin, Japanese straight razors were once used by samurai to shave their heads into the traditional chonmage topknot style. In modern times, Japanese kamisori razors have become utilized domestically not by individual customers, but rather by barbers, and have also gained a cult following abroad, with wait times of several years just for a single blade. Crafting these blades requires precision and expertise, with a hardy layer of steel sandwiched between iron and shaped by hand using centuries-old forging techniques, then sanded and refined to its final, sleek form. Niigata, a region heralded as a metal-crafting mecca throughout Japan, houses one of the last remaining kamisori craftsmen, a lifelong local to the area. An officially recognized Master of Traditional Crafts by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, join him and his apprentice in his studio, feeling the heat of the forge up close as you learn smithing techniques from this professional artisan.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 14 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.