Private Tour
Make your own kitchen knife with a master blacksmith in Shimanto
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
In this activity you can experience traditional Japanese craft culture through "Kaji".
In a contemporary society that emphasizes digital networks, old handicraft techniques have become far from everyday life.
Imagine crafting your own knife or scissors from steel, using fire and ancient Japanese techniques. You can commemorate your wedding, or remember your trip, through engraving.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
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
Teaching in English.
Training experience.
A set of equipment necessary for the experience (work clothes, protective glasses, raw materials, a set of tools)
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off (Available for an extra fee from Shimanto City)
Transportation to/from attractions
What To Expect
You can experience blacksmith cutlery production as inherited from ancient times in Japan at "Tatara Iron & Steel Forging Workshop Kurogane," surrounded by the Shimanto River area of Kochi Prefecture, with mountains and river wilderness in abundance. Imagine crafting your own knife or scissors from steel, using fire and ancient Japanese techniques. You can commemorate your wedding, or remember your trip, through engraving.
Options
Make your own kitchen knife with a master blacksmith in Shimanto
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Just Do It!
Lisa L,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00How do you say “amazing” in Japanese?!? This experience was absolutely exceeded expectations. This class was knife making by a master craftsman. It was worth every penny to learn about the art of making a Japanese knife.
Something you should not Miss!
Toki-chan,
Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was amazing learning and working on making my own knife. I was fascinated by the process of Japanese metal working and trying to make something so unique. The blacksmith and his assistant who ran this event gave great instructions and made sure I didn't go off the rails. I'm thrilled with the knife I ended up with. I can't wait to use it!
Because why not?!?!
ilan p,
Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was amazing! Hayashi-san is amazing and kind. The willing to explain and the passion to the art is speechless. The workshop is right in the middle of the woods, super charming. Great experience! We rented a car so it was easy to get to the place but there are few buses and you can talk to them and with additional fee they could pick you up. Again, worth every yen! Great experience!!
Amazing workshop
Spencer S,
Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring your own lunch! Grab something from the convenience store the night before or before the workshop in the morning Also wear something you don't mind getting smoke smell in and maybe a burned hole
It’s a fantastic...
Roman F,
Dec 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a fantastic experience that will stay with you forever. The sensei is amazing and extremely helpful. I want to do it again.
Amazing hands on complete experience
Graham C,
Dec 7, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Confirm your booking with the operator direct on WhatsApp. I thought I was booked but I wasn’t. Luckily Mr Hayashi was very accomodating and fitted me in. Such an amazing experience to be involved hands on to create your own kitchen knife. The most memorable day in our 5 weeks in Japan.
Unforgettable Experience
Felita M,
Nov 2, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00What an incredible experience! They take you through all of the steps in making your knife, and let you get hands on as much as possible while still getting a beautiful finished product. We couldn't have been happier with the experience, thank you Nobuya-sensei and Jesse-san!
Highlight of my Japan experiences so far.
mark W,
Oct 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Just getting there was part of the adventure as the prefecture is a little isolated for the average tourist. Staying in the main town was OK and we were picked up from our hotels. I did the one day session with a fellow one-day-er and we finished our knives. Exceptional tutelage by our two Masters through the day meant we had as much ownership of the process as possible (without an apprenticeship!). If I can, I’ll return for either the 3 or 6 day course, as this was such a rewarding experience. Suitable for all genders.
Amazing!!!
nah0mef,
Sep 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best experiences we've had in Japan! Very welcoming instructors who made it accessible to us as novices. Just the right balance of letting us attempt to create something ourselves and guiding us along every step of the way, making sure the knives come out looking great in the end. The surrounding area is also definitely worth checking out - beautiful mountains, crystal clear rivers and lush green landscape.
A Shikoku must-do
John C,
Sep 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00I, and my partner, thoroughly enjoyed this! A great balance of hands-on learning with the support of expert guidance. At the end of the day you have the opportunity to have your knife engraved. Have a think beforehand of what text you would like to see on the knife.
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