About this tour
An 8-hour blacksmithing workshop where you'll forge your own kitchen knife or scissors using traditional Japanese kaji techniques and fire. Based in Shimanto, this hands-on experience lets you work with raw steel and hand tools under instruction, finishing with the option to engrave your piece as a keepsake. Suited to anyone curious about heritage crafts — no prior metalworking experience needed.
Highlights
- Forge a functional kitchen knife or scissors from raw steel
- Learn traditional Japanese blacksmithing techniques with fire and hand tools
- Work with a master blacksmith instructor teaching in English
- Full protective equipment and materials provided
- Optional engraving to personalise your finished piece
- 8-hour immersive session, suitable for all fitness levels
What to expect
You'll arrive at the workshop and be fitted with work clothes, protective glasses and safety gear. The blacksmith will demonstrate core techniques, then guide you through heating, shaping and hammering your steel into a functional blade or scissors. Expect repetitive, physically engaging work at the forge — the instructor will adjust pacing to your experience level and needs. You'll progress through shaping, tempering and finishing stages across the day. Before you leave, you can arrange to have your name or a date engraved into the handle as a memento of the experience.
What travellers say
- Authentic Japanese craft tradition led by experienced blacksmith
- Take home a functional, handmade knife you forged yourself
- English instruction makes technique accessible to visitors
- All tools, safety gear and materials supplied
- Full-day commitment may feel long for casual interest
- No meals or refreshments included in the 8 hours
- You'll need separate transport to and from the venue
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits anyone drawn to hands-on craft, cultural traditions or making something practical they'll actually use. The work is physical but not strenuous — standing, repetitive hammer strikes and heat exposure are the main demands, and the workshop caters to all fitness levels. The 8-hour duration is full-day commitment with no breaks explicitly mentioned, so bring water and snacks (food and drinks aren't included). The workshop is in Shimanto; you'll need to arrange your own transport there, though hotel pickup can be booked separately for a fee. Service animals are welcome.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.