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Work space of sword makers in Kyoto
Blade of sword being made by sword maker in Kyoto
Sign outside of blacksmith workplace in Kyoto
Embers fly as work is done on metal with the blacksmith in the background in Kyoto
Blacksmith working on glowing hot piece of metal in Kyoto

Private Japanese Sword Forge Visit & Lesson

By Travel Kyoto
4.7 out of 5
Features
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview
  • Visit to the only swordsmith & forge located in Kyoto
  • Demonstration of forging techniques by a master bladesmith
  • Once-in-a-lifetime chance to try your hand at sword-making
  • Picturesque Kameoka city as the backdrop to your tour
  • Chance to see & learn more about the area after your visit

Activity location

    • Kameoka, Kyoto, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Sword Forge
    • 32-1 Ishishiki, Honme-cho Nishikaya
    • 621-0255, Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Check availability


Sorry this activity isn't available on Fri, 29 Mar
Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedPrivate forge visit and sword-making experience
  • What's includedWhat's includedCoal fee for forge usage
  • What's includedWhat's includedWritten instruction provided in English
  • What's includedWhat's includedLive tour commentary provided in Japanese
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedHotel pickup and drop-off
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedEnglish-speaking guide

Know before you book

  • Children 10 and younger are not allowed.
  • At least 2 people are required for this activity to take place.
  • Maximum group size is 8 people.
  • Options for hotel pickup and drop-off and an English-speaking guide are available for an additional surcharge and can be arranged with Travel Kyoto when you call to confirm your reservation.
  • This activity begins at in Kameoka, which is approximately 1 hour away from central Kyoto. Detailed address and map will be provided upon confirmation. You must make your own way to the meeting point.
  • Hours of operation are 9 AM–5PM. You will receive confirmation of your exact tour start time when you call to confirm your reservation.

What you can expect

Learn how Japanese swords are made with a private visit to an authentic tantouba (sword forge). Watch a professional swordsmith demonstrate the techniques used to create the blades, then participate in the creating process yourself in this interactive and eye-opening experience.

Make your way to Masahiro Tantouba, a Japanese sword forge owned by blacksmith Yuya Nakanishi in the beautiful city of Kameoka. Your experience begins with a demonstration of the swordsmith at work. Watch as the metal is heated, hammered, and folded over and over again, and appreciate the meticulous effort that is put into each individual blade.

The forging process, which was once considered a sacred art and accompanied by religious Shinto rituals, can take weeks to complete. After watching the master, you can try your own hand at parts of the process, learning the appropriate timing for hammering the metal on the anvil. At the end of your hands-on experience, take some time to look around the workshop and learn about the different types of swords made by Japanese smiths.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Kameoka, Kyoto, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLESword Forge
    • 32-1 Ishishiki, Honme-cho Nishikaya
    • 621-0255, Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan