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Product #195645
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Gifu, Japan samurai sword forging experience, where a master swordsmith hammers glowing metal, showering sparks, demonstrating the passion and traditional techniques passed down since the samurai era.
Gifu, Japan samurai sword forging experience, with a master swordsmith intently hammering metal, creating brilliant sparks, showcasing the spectacular traditional Japanese sword forging process and enduring craftsmanship.
Gifu, Japan samurai sword forging experience, where participants under a master swordsmith's guidance, carefully forge and shape glowing hot metal, experiencing the intricate craftsmanship of traditional Japanese sword making.
Gifu, Japan samurai sword forging experience, with an experienced master swordsmith sitting beside a traditional furnace, intently observing the flames, demonstrating the rigorous attention to detail and heritage of Japanese forging techniques.
Gifu, Japan samurai sword craft exhibition area, featuring a beautiful painting depicting ancient forging scenes, with historical Japanese swords and accessories displayed in glass cases below, embodying the samurai spirit.

Seki Samurai Sword Forging Experience

Japan-Tokai , Gifu
Booking confirmed within 5 working day(s)
Duration:1 hour(s)
Free cancellation 15 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
・Japanese Sword Forging Experience
・Observation and explanation of Japanese swordsmith by a swordsmith
・Appreciate beautiful Japanese swords

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Cultural Experiences

LocationIndoor
Experience typeMetalworking
Minimum participant requirement2 travelers
Cultural experience typeNinja/Samurai experience, Traditional culture experience
DIY typeBlacksmith experience

Product Info

Seki City is known as a town of Japanese sword and blacksmithing since the Kamakura period.
The town is located in the center of Gifu Prefecture and surrounded by two rivers.
The clean water, good river clays, abundant coal, and strategic location helped Seki as a steel forging technical town.
Now Seki is one of the largest cutlery-producing areas in the world, along with Solingen in Germany and Sheffield, England.
You can enjoy the unique experience of observing a Japanese sword forging demonstration by the 25th and 26th generation of Kanefusa Fujiwara swordsmiths.
Visitors can also experience the rare opportunity to hear directly from swordsmiths about the process of sword-making.
It will take you back to the samurai era!

What You Can Expect

Duration: 1 hour(s)

1 Day

  • Select your visiting time when booking
  • Check in at the Museum
  • Enjoy Japanese Sword Forging Experience and swordsmiths telling about 1 hour
  • Enjoy shopping

Purchase Notice

This is a private plan.
Only your group will participate and the museum is reserved for private use. (minimum of 2 persons)

Includes/Excludes

  • Experience fees
  • Transportation

Eligible Users

How to Redeem Your Voucher

How to Use Your Voucher

  • Please present the e-voucher on-site

Experience Location

Location Name: 刃物屋三秀

Address: 日本、〒501-3265 岐阜県関市小瀬９５０−１

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 15 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
  • For cancellations made 4 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–3 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. Which city in Japan is renowned for its traditional samurai sword making?

Seki City, located in Gifu Prefecture, is highly celebrated for its long-standing tradition of swordsmithing. Its history dates back over 700 years, establishing it as one of Japan's premier locations for producing high-quality samurai swords. The city continues to preserve and practice these ancient techniques, making it a pivotal center for this craft.

2. What are the key steps involved in the traditional Japanese samurai sword forging process?

The traditional forging process for a Japanese samurai sword, known as katanakaji, involves several intricate steps. These include purifying and repeatedly folding the raw steel (tamahagane), shaping the blade, applying a clay mixture for differential hardening (hamon creation), quenching, and meticulous grinding and polishing. Each step requires immense skill and precision from the swordsmith.

3. How many times is the steel traditionally folded during the forging of a katana?

During the traditional forging of a katana, the tamahagane steel is repeatedly heated, hammered, and folded approximately 10 to 15 times. This intricate process creates multiple layers, estimated to be between 1,024 and 32,768, which helps to remove impurities, equalize carbon content, and ultimately enhance the sword's strength, flexibility, and unique grain pattern.

4. How long does it typically take to complete the entire traditional forging of a single samurai sword?

Crafting a traditional samurai sword is a meticulous and time-intensive process that typically takes several weeks to complete, often extending up to a month or more for a highly skilled swordsmith. This duration accounts for the repeated heating, hammering, folding, precise shaping, heat treatment, grinding, and final polishing, each performed with extreme care and dedication.

5. Is it legal to own a samurai sword in the United States?

Generally, it is legal to own a samurai sword in the United States. However, specific regulations can vary significantly by state, county, and city, particularly regarding concealed carry, blade length restrictions, and the intent of use. It is always advisable to research and comply with local laws concerning sword ownership and transportation to ensure legality.

6. What factors contribute to the high value and craftsmanship of a traditional handmade Japanese samurai sword?

The high value and craftsmanship of a traditional handmade Japanese samurai sword stem from several factors. These include the purity and quality of the tamahagane steel, the intricate folding and tempering processes that create a unique blade pattern (hamon), the exceptional balance and sharpness achieved by the master swordsmith, and the artistic quality of the intricate fittings. Each sword is a unique work of art, reflecting centuries of tradition and skill.

7. What can visitors expect to do or observe during the Seki Samurai Sword Forging Experience?

During the Seki Samurai Sword Forging Experience, visitors can expect to observe a real Japanese swordsmith at work, gaining fascinating insights into traditional forging techniques. Participants will receive explanations about the history, artistry, and various stages of Japanese sword making, often getting the chance to appreciate the beautiful finished blades up close. This offers a unique, immersive look into a preserved ancient craft.

8. What is the historical significance of Seki City's role in Japanese swordsmithing tradition?

Seki City gained significant prominence for swordsmithing during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), becoming a major production center. Its swordsmiths developed unique forging techniques that resulted in blades renowned for both exceptional strength and sharpness. Seki's enduring legacy continues today, dedicated to preserving and passing down these traditional skills and master craftsmanship.

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