"Samurai Knife" Made with Japanese Swordsmithing Techniques ＜PLAN2＞ Craftsman Tour & Experience Course – Includes a Knife Souvenir

In this course, you will observe the process of knife-making by skilled craftsmen, and for those interested, you can also experience part of the process.

Japanese knives are crafted with long-standing history and traditional techniques. These knives, created with the heritage of traditional swordsmithing techniques, are renowned worldwide for their quality and beauty, making them highly sought after as souvenirs.

The forging techniques used to create Japanese swords have been applied to knife-making, forming the foundation for producing high-quality knives. Just as Japanese swords were not only weapons but also valued for their aesthetic appeal, knives are similarly prized for their appearance and ease of use. Each knife is meticulously crafted by hand, and you can immediately sense the craftsmanship when you hold one.

Experiencing Japanese knife-making offers a valuable opportunity to witness these traditional techniques and the spirit they embody, while also appreciating the depth of blade craftsmanship rooted in Japan's history and culture. However, the number of traditional blacksmiths who produce fully handcrafted knives has drastically decreased, and today, only a few skilled craftsmen remain in Japan.

This program provides a rare opportunity to explore Japan’s traditional blade culture while learning about the craft of swordsmiths. Would you like to witness the art of knife-making by blacksmiths who continue the ancient techniques of Japan, each knife crafted with the utmost care and dedication?

By observing (and partially participating in) the creation of a "Samurai Knife" with a master craftsman, you’ll also gain an understanding of why Japanese chefs treat their knives with the same reverence as samurai treat their swords, approaching cooking with the spirit of a warrior.

You'll receive a handcrafted knife as a gift, making it a perfect souvenir as well.

Tour Details

• History of knives and explanation of the production process  
• Production tour & hands-on experience: Observe the craftsmen at work. Those interested can try processes like marking, cutting out, and hardening.  
• Shopping at the workshop

A pre-existing knife will be given as a souvenir.

Reservations are by request.

*Please select the date and time from the calendar.

*The duration of the experience is 2 hours. 

*If you would like to schedule the event in the afternoon, please contact us separately and we will be happy to consult with you. 

*The application deadline is 10 business days before the desired date.

Place: Chiba

Facility Name: Gokou Knife Workshop  
Address: 369-10 Fujigaya, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture 277-0931, Japan  

It takes about 50 minutes to reach Takayanagi Station, the nearest station to the factory, from Tokyo Station. From there, it's a 10-minute cab ride to the factory.

Dissolution Location: Meet on-site.

Number of Participants: The minimum number of participants is 2, and the maximum is 10. If you prefer to book a private session for just one person, it can be arranged for 50,000 yen (including tax). Please send a message to support@fesbase.co.jp before making a reservation.

Tour Fee: The cost of the tour is 45,000yen per person.

Included in the Tour Fee: Guide fee (English), fuel costs for blacksmithing, other necessary expenses, and a souvenir knife.

Not Included in the Tour Fee: Transportation to the site, food and drink during the tour, transportation during the tour, and shopping expenses.

Souvenir

A pre-existing knife will be given as a souvenir.

Instructor

The steel knives from Gokou Knife Workshop in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, are exceptionally rare, entirely handmade blades crafted by master artisans. These knives have been recognized as traditional crafts by both the national government and Chiba Prefecture. They are designated as Traditional Crafts by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry and by Chiba Prefecture.

Important note

• If you would like to participate in the hands-on experience, please wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
• Please bring a towel to wrap around your head, a change of clothes, and drinks.
  
• As this is a beginner's experience, the quality of the knives made by participants cannot be guaranteed.
• Individuals who are intoxicated, pregnant, have heart conditions, or have other medical conditions that might make participation difficult will not be allowed to participate. Additionally, if the organizers determine that participation is not feasible, they may refuse the experience.
• The workshop involves simplified tasks for beginners, and while we take great care regarding safety, handling fire, knives, and grinding machines can be hazardous. We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, or theft resulting from participant negligence, so please understand this in advance.

The cancellation policy

The cancellation fee will be applied based on our business days, excluding Sundays and public holidays in Japan.

If you request a date or time change for personal reasons, please note that availability may be limited. In such cases, the cancellation policy will still apply.

• Same day: 100%
• 1 day before: 80%
• 3 days before: 50%
• 7 days before: 30%

If you are more than 15 minutes late, your reservation will be automatically cancelled.

Other Plans

"Samurai Knife" Made with Japanese Swordsmithing Techniques ＜PLAN1＞ Create one knife with two participants