Asano Taro is a swordsmith certified by the Japanese government and one of the few genuine Japanese swordsmiths still practicing today. He guides you personally through each stage of the workshop.

Can I take my knife home?

Yes. The knife you make is yours to keep, so you leave with a working Japanese blade and a lasting souvenir of your day at the forge.

How do I get to the workshop?

Take the train to Gifu-Hashima Station, a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. You are picked up there, taken to the atelier, and dropped back at the station at the end of the day. Train fares are not included.

What does the day look like?

From 09:00 to 11:30, you get an introduction to the craft and begin forging at the atelier. Lunch runs from 11:30 to 13:00, then you shape and refine your knife until 15:00 and spend the last hour, until 16:00, on the finishing touches.

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Hashima

Make Your Own Knife with an Experienced Swordsmith in Gifu, near Kyoto

English

7 hours

(2)

Forge your own Japanese knife in Gifu under the guidance of Asano Taro, a government-certified swordsmith and one of the few still practicing the craft. Heat, hammer, shape, and temper your blade by hand, pause for lunch, and take the finished knife home with you.

Lunch
Your own Japanese knife to take home
Class fee and materials

What's not included

Transportation fees

Pickup is at 08:50 outside the ticket gates of Gifu-Hashima Station.
Arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes early, by 08:40.
By train, the station is about 30 minutes from Kyoto and 10 from Nagoya.
Allow about 50 minutes by train from Osaka and 110 from Tokyo.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants made of cotton for safety.
Tell the operator about any dietary restrictions before your workshop.
You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Each booking can include up to 6 people.
The workshop is rated challenging in difficulty.
Drop-off back at Gifu-Hashima Station is between 16:00 and 16:30.

Meet directly at this location to join the tour

Gifu-Hashima Station, 645-1 Fukujucho Hirakata, Hashima, Gifu

Cancel more than 360 hours before the start time for a full refund.
From 360 hours before the start time until 120 hours before the start time, cancellation costs 20%.
From 120 hours before the start time until 48 hours before the start time, cancellation costs 50%.
Cancellations within 48 hours of the start time are non-refundable.

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Reviews

Make Your Own Knife with an Experienced Swordsmith in Gifu, near Kyoto

2 reviews

1/1

Worth it!

Such a unique and amazing experience. Easy trip from Kyoto and well worth it. Asano was extremely knowledgeable and made for a fun day. One of the highlights of my entire trip.

Papi 🤌

November 30, 2023

Papi 🤌

November 30, 2023

Worth it!

Such a unique and amazing experience. Easy trip from Kyoto and well worth it. Asano was extremely knowledgeable and made for a fun day. One of the highlights of my entire trip.