Join a Knife Making Experience in Japan
Renowned globally for their craftsmanship and quality, Japanese knives are highly sought after by countless visitors to Japan. Would you like to try your hand at making and shaping your own?
These workshops offer a unique opportunity to experience the dedication and artistry involved in Japanese blade making.
You’ll be guided by a master craftsman who has devoted their life to this art, and you’ll leave with a functional keepsake from your trip!
Knife-making Workshops in Japan
Tokyo
1. Japanese Sword Museum and Katana Polishing in Tokyo
2. Craft a Handmade Kitchen Knife near Tokyo
3. Craft a Handmade Small Katana Sword
4. Experience the World of Japanese Sword Polishing in Tokyo
5. Learn from a Swordsmith: History of Japanese Swords
Kyoto, Osaka, and western Japan
6. Knife Making at a Historic Kyoto Smithy
7. Personalize Your Own Japanese Knife at a Workshop near Kyoto
8. Forge Your Very Own Knife With a Swordsmith in Kyoto
9. Forge a Samurai Knife at Asano Kajiya, a Famous Blacksmith in Gifu
10. Legendary Knife Crafting at Wada Shouten: With Personalization
1. Japanese Sword Museum and Katana Polishing in Tokyo
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More than just a weapon, the katana is a remarkable work of art. This hands-on experience begins at the Japanese Sword Museum, where you’ll admire historic blades before heading to Asakusabashi to meet renowned master polisher Yasumasa Nagaoka.
Witness a live polishing demonstration, learn about the design and history of the katana, and even attempt this delicate craft yourself. This is a rare opportunity to gain insight into one of Japan’s most iconic traditions.
2. Craft a Handmade Kitchen Knife near Tokyo
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On the outskirts of Tokyo, master bladesmith Sukehira Hirata and his wife, Nodoka—one of Japan’s few female murage (furnace masters)—welcome you into their world of tatara bladesmithing. Together, they craft blades from traditional tamahagane steel, just as samurai swords were forged centuries ago.
In this unique experience, you will shape your own kitchen knife under their expert guidance. The finished blade will be engraved and shipped to you, serving as a lasting souvenir forged from fire and tradition.
3. Craft a Handmade Small Katana Sword
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Step into the unique world of tatara bladesmithing with Sukehira and Nodoka Hirata, a husband-and-wife team dedicated to preserving centuries-old techniques on the outskirts of Tokyo. Sukehira hand-forges blades from tamahagane steel, which is produced in-house by Nodoka, one of Japan’s few female murage.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll craft your own small katana using traditional tools and methods. Choose from three handle styles, add a personalized engraving, and have your completed blade shipped to your home—a striking memento of your time in Japan.
4. Experience the World of Japanese Sword Polishing in Tokyo
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Step inside Buneido in Setagaya, Tokyo, for a unique opportunity to work alongside Masaru Nemoto—one of only 100 professional katana polishers in Japan. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to polish a real katana using a whetstone, gaining insight into the blade’s form, function, and cultural significance.
Additionally, you’ll have the chance to view rare swords that are up to 400 years old, making this experience perfect for those intrigued by samurai history, antiques, or fine craftsmanship.
5. Learn from a Swordsmith: History of Japanese Swords
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Travel just over an hour from Tokyo to Kamikawa in Saitama, where you’ll enter the forge of Katanakaji Fusahiro. Led by a professional swordsmith, this hands-on workshop offers an in-depth exploration of the culture, history, and artistry of Japanese swords.
You’ll observe the forging process, pump a traditional bellows, and strike red-hot tamahagane steel with a hammer, allowing you to immerse yourself in the heat and heart of swordsmithing. This experience is a must for anyone drawn to samurai lore, craftsmanship, and Japanese tradition.
6. Knife Making at a Historic Kyoto Smithy
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Step into a centuries-old smithy in Kyoto’s Oike neighborhood and immerse yourself in the time-honored craft of Japanese knife-making. Watch a skilled artisan at work, then take the hammer into your own hands to forge, fire, and shape your own blade.
Your finished knife will be delivered later, serving as both a keepsake and a functional tool unique to your experience. Optional upgrades include custom handle selection and engraving, as well as a hands-on honing lesson to ensure your blade remains sharp for years to come.
7. Personalize Your Own Japanese Knife at a Workshop near Kyoto
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Nestled in the forests of Kameoka, the Tennen Toishi-kan offers an immersive journey into the world of traditional Japanese sharpening stones. In this exclusive experience, you’ll enjoy a private tour of the museum with director Aki Tanaka—an opportunity that is rarely available—while exploring the legacy of natural hones and their significance in Japanese craftsmanship.
Get hands-on with natural hone processing, knife sharpening, and test cutting. You’ll also have the chance to sharpen a Japanese culinary knife using the whetstone you crafted yourself, allowing you to take both home as lasting souvenirs of this truly unique encounter with Kyoto’s artisanal heritage.
8. Forge Your Very Own Knife With a Swordsmith in Kyoto
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At Masahiro Tantojo, nestled in the lush hills of Kameoka, you’ll enter the forge of swordsmith Yuya Nakanishi—one of the few active practitioners of traditional swordsmithing in Japan. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll craft your own kogatana, a 15cm utility knife forged from tamahagane, the same high-purity steel used in samurai swords.
Under Nakanishi’s expert guidance, you’ll design your blade’s pattern, hammer the steel, and witness your knife take shape. Afterward, it will be engraved, allowing you to take it home the same day. This is a rare opportunity to create something beautiful and functional with your own hands.
9. Forge a Samurai Knife at Asano Kajiya, a Famous Blacksmith in Gifu
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Located in the serene surroundings of Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture, Asano Kajiya offers a unique opportunity to craft your own knife under the expert guidance of master swordsmith Taro Asano. With over 30 years of experience, Asano will walk you through each step of the traditional blacksmithing process—heating, hammering, shaping, tempering, and sharpening.
This hands-on workshop, just a short ride from Nagoya, allows you to create a knife that is truly one-of-a-kind. By the end of the day, you’ll take home a knife shaped by your own efforts and influenced by your personal touch and the environment around you.
10. Legendary Knife Crafting at Wada Shouten: With Personalization
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At Wada Shouten, you’ll have the rare opportunity to create your own Sakai knife, renowned among chefs worldwide for its precision and craftsmanship. Under the guidance of expert artisans, you’ll forge a high-quality knife and engrave it with your name. Choose from three types—Deba, Sashimi, or Santoku—tailored to suit your culinary needs.
In addition to the knife-making process, you’ll learn the essential art of knife maintenance, ensuring your tool remains a lasting companion. This hands-on experience is a perfect addition to any cooking enthusiast’s collection.
Experience Japanese Sword Craftsmanship
Whether you’re a history buff seeking a piece of your favorite samurai era or a foodie looking for exceptional Japanese craftsmanship in a chef’s knife, there’s a workshop here for you!
The techniques involved in blade making in Japan are thousands of years old, and these tours allow you to connect with that rich cultural and artistic heritage.
So why not add one of these workshops to your next trip and take home a wonderful memento of your travels?
Main image courtesy of Wabunka
