Steel, Tradition, and Sustainability: Witness the art of authentic Japanese swordsmith.

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Asada Tsubata, Kahoku, Ishikawa

• 2.0 hours

• 6 people max. Minimum of 2 participants required. (Solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants)

• Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Depth, difficulty, and rawness of sword

Did you know that the Japanese warriors still preferred using swords for a long time even after the transmission of guns, largely because they believed swords possessed spiritual powers? Visit a swordsmith Tsuneharu, a sole sword maker in Ishikawa Prefecture. His quaint studio is located by a series of vast rice fields. Tsuneharu is trying to recreate a style of sword before the Muromachi Period (1336-1573). He accumulates domestic iron products distributed during (and before) the Edo Period (1600-1868), such as braces and nails from old houses, agricultural tools, and cooking pots. They are melted by a pine charcoal fire to become a lump of steel, which the swordsmith considers an excellent iron to create an authentic sword. It is fascinating to see how abandoned domestic products transform into an exquisite sword, incomparable to his contemporary swordsmiths’ works. Tsuneharu says, “I am sure that visitors from different cultures have a lot of questions. Ask me any questions you have. Everyone is welcomed to my studio to see the depth, difficulty, and rawness of this beautiful craft.”

What you’ll do

Learn about the history and philosophy of Japanese sword making and then watch a demonstration, forging the iron sand, “Watetsu“ (gem steel/ jewel steel) with a hammer, by Tsuneharu. Wrap things up with a photo session, posing with a completed Japanese Katana made by Tsuneharu!

Who can attend

Children must be 7+

Availability

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (12:00 - 14:00)
Session 3 (14:00 - 16:00)

Access

40 min taxi ride from Kanazawa station.
or
5 min taxi ride (or 15 min walk) from Naka-Tsubata station

What to wear

Clothing and close-toed shoes you wouldn’t mind getting dirty or potentially affected by spark burns. We recommend clothes that cover your arms and legs (See Things to Note below).

What else you should know

• This experience is held at an actual swordsmith studio where hot sparks are flying during the sword forging process. As such, please dress accordingly. Please follow the instruction of the master when he asked you to be situated a safe distance away from the fire.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 30 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.

Discover more about the history of crafting katana, and other places to craft katana in Japan, here.