Sword Making
Overview
The art of forging samurai swords has been passed down through the generations of master sword makers for hundreds of years. These deadly blades are objects of stunning beauty and experiencing how they are made and witnessing the extraordinary craft that goes into producing every blade is a memory that will live with you forever.
On this experience you will visit the workshop of a master sword maker, Fujiyasu-sensei. You will spend several hours watching him at work and through your guide, he will explain the processes involved in making a sword. You may also be offered the chance to work on a sword yourself.
Japanese swords are made by folding steel literally thousands of times, to achieve a blade that combines two vital qualities; to be both extremely strong but also very flexible. This is possible by folding the steel to produce a core and an outer layer that vary in their carbon balance and therefore have differing characteristics. Samurai swords are made by hand and no machine can replicate the art of the master craftsman. In fact, although this technology has been present in Japan for over 1,000 years, it has never been successfully replicated in the west.
Our exclusive sword workshop experience is truly unique and a wonderful addition to any trip.
If you are unable to take this tour then please also ask us about the Osafune Sword Museum near Okayama and the Seki Swordsmith Museum in Gifu both of which have demonstrations of sword making on certain dates of the year.
The art of forging samurai swords has been passed down through the generations of master sword makers for hundreds of years. These deadly blades are objects of stunning beauty and experiencing how they are made and witnessing the extraordinary craft that goes into producing every blade is a memory that will live with you forever.
On this experience you will visit the workshop of a master sword maker, Fujiyasu-sensei. You will spend several hours watching him at work and through your guide, he will explain the processes involved in making a sword. You may also be offered the chance to work on a sword yourself.
Japanese swords are made by folding steel literally thousands of times, to achieve a blade that combines two vital qualities; to be both extremely strong but also very flexible. This is possible by folding the steel to produce a core and an outer layer that vary in their carbon balance and therefore have differing characteristics. Samurai swords are made by hand and no machine can replicate the art of the master craftsman. In fact, although this technology has been present in Japan for over 1,000 years, it has never been successfully replicated in the west.
Our exclusive sword workshop experience is truly unique and a wonderful addition to any trip.
If you are unable to take this tour then please also ask us about the Osafune Sword Museum near Okayama and the Seki Swordsmith Museum in Gifu both of which have demonstrations of sword making on certain dates of the year.
When:
There are no set days or times for a visit to Fujiyasu-sensei's workshop. However, this is a private experience and we are dependent upon the good will of Fujiyasu-sensei to make these arrangements. The guide, Mr. Ota, is also not always available. Therefore, if you wish to include this experience please let us know well in advance so we can maximise the chance of both people being available.
Where:
The workshop is located a short drive from Fukushima city in the Tohoku region of Japan. A visit can be worked into any Tohoku itinerary but can also be made as an overnight or day trip from Tokyo. Journey times on the Shinkansen are between 1h30 and 2h.
There are no set days or times for a visit to Fujiyasu-sensei's workshop. However, this is a private experience and we are dependent upon the good will of Fujiyasu-sensei to make these arrangements. The guide, Mr. Ota, is also not always available. Therefore, if you wish to include this experience please let us know well in advance so we can maximise the chance of both people being available.
Where:
The workshop is located a short drive from Fukushima city in the Tohoku region of Japan. A visit can be worked into any Tohoku itinerary but can also be made as an overnight or day trip from Tokyo. Journey times on the Shinkansen are between 1h30 and 2h.