Meet Yamagata's master of crafting katana, Tsunehira

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Hasedo, Yamagata

• 2.5 hours

• 6 people max. Minimum 2 participants, solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants.

• You will be accompanied by a friendly guide who will provide interpretation in English.

Spirit of the Sword

Granted mukansa status, the highest swordsmith rank, by the age of 36, Tsunehira still continues to strive for greatness and remains in constant pursuit of perfection. The sole samurai swordsmith in Yamagata Prefecture, he's both a legendary teacher as well as a master craftsman, having passed along his knowledge to countless apprentices, who in turn diligently preserve the profession for future generations. Hard at work in his studio, he hunches over his furnace and carefully tends to the crackling flames, intensely focused on every single step of the sword-crafting process. Repeated heating, folding, and hammering enhance the blade's durability, as steels of different strengths are combined to construct a superior katana sword. Completing just one sword might take months of concentrated effort and expertise, but in every final product, a fragment of Tsunehira's artistic spirit shines through. Feel the heat of the flames and listen to the booming echoes of hammer striking steel at this Yamagata katana forge.

What you’ll do

Observe Tsunehira crafting award-winning katana in his studio and learn about the techniques firsthand. Then, join him for tea and snacks while inspecting a collection of his completed work.

Who can attend

Children must be 11+

Availability

Monday-Saturday
Session 1 (9:30 - 11:00)
Session 2 (13:30 - 16:00)

Not available every Sunday, Obon Festival and New Year holidays

Access

10 minutes from JR Zao station by vehicle.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking atleast 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.

* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.