Japanese Master Swordsmith Demonstration with Pickup
Watch a master swordsmith forge a real Japanese sword in Seki,
with English narration throughout and free pickup from Seki Station.
- Location
- Seki, Gifu
- Price
- ¥154,000 (Per private group, not per person.)
- Duration
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Languages
- English narration by the swordsmith
- Group size
- Private, up to 6 guests
Seki has forged blades for over seven hundred years. In this private demonstration you stand just steps from a working forge, not behind glass, while a licensed swordsmith heats and hammers tamahagane through the forging (tanren) and fire-forming (hizukuri) stages. The smith narrates everything in English, so the craft opens up as you watch. Free pickup and drop-off at Seki Station is included.
- Feel the heat and sparks as a swordsmith forges a real sword a few steps away
- Learn the process of forging a Japanese sword from a master
- See the forging (tanren) and fire-forming (hizukuri) stages up close
- English narration throughout makes it easy to follow
- Free pickup and drop-off at Seki Station
A licensed swordsmith
Only a small number of smiths in Japan hold a licence to forge traditional swords.
Your host is a young, active swordsmith based in Seki who narrates the entire process in English. You stand just steps from the forge as tamahagane, the same steel used for samurai swords, is heated and hammered, and every question you ask reaches him directly.
Born in myth, perfected across five great traditions, nearly destroyed twice and reborn as one of Japan’s finest arts. Before you stand beside the forge in Seki, read how the Japanese sword came to be, who shaped it, and how it is actually made.
More detailsThe Experience
- 01
Start
Pickup at Seki Station
Meet your driver at Seki Station for the short ride to the workshop, about 10 minutes by car. You can also make your own way there.
- 02
+10 min
Sword forging demonstration
Watch the swordsmith heat and hammer the steel through the forging (tanren) and fire-forming (hizukuri) stages, up close and narrated in English. About 1.5 hours at the forge.
- 03
+1 h 40 min
Return to Seki Station
Your driver takes you back to Seki Station, or you can stay and continue exploring the area.
Location & Access
Booking & Practical Details
- Price
- ¥154,000 (Per private group, not per person.)
- Participants
- Up to 6 people (private group)
Seki Station (free pickup and drop-off included). You can also make your own way to the workshop in Seki, Gifu.
- Clothes that can get dirty, ideally flame resistant
Free cancellation: cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If this experience interests you, send us an inquiry first and we will reply in English within 24 hours.
- Suitable for all ages: no age, height or build restrictions
- This is an observation experience: you do not make or take home a sword
- Not recommended for anyone sensitive to loud noises: forging is loud, with hammering and flying sparks
- The demonstration involves fire, blades and a power hammer: very rarely, sparks may cause a minor burn or scorch clothing
- Photos and video are welcome throughout, with no restricted areas
- A short safety briefing is given on arrival: no waiver or participant insurance is required
- Available year round including in light rain: closed December 31 to January 4
Before You Book
- 1-hour live Japanese sword forging demonstration (about 1.5 to 2 hours in total with the round-trip transfer)
- English-speaking narration by the swordsmith
- Free pickup and drop-off at Seki Station
- Hotel pickup
- Food and drinks
- Gifu or Nagoya Station transfer (available for a surcharge)
- Physical souvenirs
Do I need any experience?
None at all. This is an observation experience with English narration from start to finish. You do not make or take home a sword.
Can children join?
Yes. The demonstration is suitable for all ages, with no age, height or build restrictions. It is loud though, so it may not suit anyone sensitive to sharp noises.
Can I take photos?
Yes. Photos and video are welcome throughout, with no restricted areas.
Ready to experience this yourself?
Plan your visitTrusted by Japan Culture Enthusiasts
It was a Zen-like immersive experience that taught us not only the technique but also the why: the feelings involved, and our connection to the craft. I was deeply moved that the smith remembered us.
S.SIt deepened my appreciation for Japanese culture: its elegance, harmony, and the way tradition is carried with such respect and authenticity.
H.YThe dojo session was a profound cultural exchange. From the first bow to the final cut, I felt the true spirit and warmth of Japanese swordsmanship.
M.JA dream experience! Our teacher was wonderful, kind, and so much fun to learn from. I am so grateful for this authentic and joyful workshop with my family.
I.KOur maker was incredibly warm, ensuring we truly enjoyed learning the history behind every layer of wax. A private class made it even more special.
M.YTake the Craft Home
Original works by our artisans, available in the Japan Documented Shop.
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