Feast on a homecooked meal at a samurai sword forge, then enter the workshop for hands-on instruction in the art of crafting katana.

Details

• Private Experience

• Location: Wakaba Ward, Chiba

• 4.5 hours

• 15 people max. Minimum 2 participants; solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants.

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

Legendary Swords, Local Cuisine

Nestled in the scenic hills of Chiba Prefecture is the katana samurai sword forge belonging to Tsuguyasu, winner of countless different prestigious awards, including the Prince Takamatsu Memorial Award, a Chiba Intangible Cultural Property, and receiver of the rank of "mukansa." Forging katana samurai swords is a profession requiring both a keen aesthetic eye and unwavering perseverance, as creating just a single katana can take up to 6 months. Tsuguyasu, like the other handful of remaining swordmasters still forging in Japan, must meticulously heat the steel, fold the metal, hammer out deficiencies, and shape the sword using careful concentration and considerable skill.

Join Tsuguyasu for a homecooked meal using local ingredients and menus in the wooded alcove outside of his study, experiencing a small slice of rural comfort outside of Tokyo's city limits. After the meal, enter the katana workshop and see the creation process up close, and even get the chance to try striking the iron yourself using genuine forging tools. Then, move to a traditional Japanese-style room and learn the method of properly appreciating katana swords, and finish with conversation with the swordmaster over a cup of matcha tea and wagashi.

What you’ll do

Enjoy a local, seasonal meal outside the katana sword workshop, before entering and learning more about crafting katana. Experience a brief hands-on portion utilizing forging hammers, then learn the correct method of appreciating katana swords.

Who can attend

Children must be 7+

What else should you know

• The master is flexible in accommodating food allergies and dietary restrictions but may not be able to accommodate all requests. Please inform us in advance so we can do our best to meet your needs.

• Session time can be flexible. Please email as at info@deeperjapan.com if you would like to book a different time.

Availability

Everyday

Session 1 (10:00 - 14:30)

Unavailable on Year-end Holidays.

Access

2 hours from Tokyo station

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 7 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.