3 to 4 hour private experience
Location: Kusatsu City, Shiga 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
Visit an active sword forge in Shiga, where a swordsmith crafts his blades. Learn about sword forging techniques and observe him at work. Then assist in creating your own small knife by hammering, quenching the blade in water, and sharpening. The master will carve your initials on the blade.
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (13:00 - 17:00)
Not available in July, August, and September due to the summer heat.
Who can attend
Children must be 12+
What’s included
You will be able to take home the paper knife (approximately 20 cm in length) that you crafted with the help of the master.
What to wear/bring
Depending on the season, the workshop can get quite hot/cold, so please dress accordingly.
Please wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Access
42 minutes by car from Kyoto Station
18 minutes by car from Otsu Station
Knives Out
Forged through flame, patience, and skill, the Japanese katana is both a pinnacle of craftsmanship and a sacred cultural symbol—an emblem of Shinto belief and bushidō philosophy, long revered as a blade animated by spirit rather than merely a weapon. Once central to samurai life, the katana has become a rare art form, its decline driven by historical upheaval, modernization, postwar bans, and the extraordinary dedication required to achieve national swordsmith certification. Today, only about 150 active swordsmiths remain in Japan, sustaining a craft whose enduring vitality continues to captivate audiences long after the blades fell silent on the battlefield. One such swordsmaster operates his forge in Shiga's suburbs, a short journey from central Kyoto, where he fans the flames of katana heritage. After apprenticing under one of Japan's most revered katana studios for over 6 years, he returned to his hometown to dedicate himself to this mighty craft. Step into the forge and take part in the living continuation of the samurai spirit, where steel, fire, and tradition converge.
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.
