Private Tour

Experience the Japanese Sword Making Process with a Swordsmith

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

The unique aspect of this tour is the fascinating experience of interacting with a current swordsmith in an actual Japanese sword-making workshop.

Japanese swords are three-dimensional works of art made of iron. It is difficult to fully appreciate their allure through the glass cases in museums. By experiencing Japanese swords through your five senses, we can understand aspects such as the delicate curves, countless particles of light that form the ripples, as well as the weight and balance that we could not have grasped before.

Witnessing the dialogue between fire and steel that occurs only in that moment is truly a workshop-specific experience. The heat of the forge, the sound of the hammer striking the anvil, the sparks flying—this will be a precious time to feel Japan's traditional craftsmanship through your senses.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

To prevent burns, we have prepared goggles and protective sheets.

English guide

We will serve Japanese tea.

What To Expect

You can visit the Tomioka Keisei Sword Forging Workshop in Soja City, Okayama Prefecture, which has a long-standing culture of iron. Here, you can have a cultural experience related to Japanese swords. The experience includes an up-close observation of the impressive production process (forging) of Japanese swords. It is a special 90-minute tour where you can actually hold and admire the Japanese swords. An English guide will accompany you, making communication smooth. They will clearly explain the history and cultural background of Japanese swords as conveyed by the swordsmith, as well as the beauty of the Hamon. The unique aspect of this tour is that you can communicate with a current swordsmith at an actual Japanese sword-making site. It offers a 'living experience' that cannot be had in museums or galleries. This is a valuable opportunity to learn about the works and philosophy of the up-and-coming young swordsmith, Yoshimasa Tomioka, who has received awards at contemporary sword exhibitions. It is an ideal experience for foreign travelers interested in Japanese swords and educational or cultural groups.