Katana Sword Making in Kyoto Japan

Forge Your Own Kogatana: A Unique Experience in Kyoto

This workshop offers a rare opportunity to forge your very own kogatana, a small Japanese blade, under the guidance of a skilled artisan swordsmith.

Here's what awaits you:

  • Learn the art of blade forging: Discover the traditional techniques and materials used to create a kogatana, mirroring the process for a full-sized katana.
  • Hands-on experience: Transform raw metal into a beautiful and functional kogatana with the expert guidance of a swordsmith.
  • Become a blade aficionado: Gain valuable knowledge about the materials used in sword making and how the process scales up for larger blades.
  • A treasured possession: Take home your handcrafted kogatana, a unique souvenir and reminder of your experience.

Important Information:

  • Age restriction: Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Availability: Please note that spots are currently fully booked till November.


Craft Your Own Piece of Japanese History

This workshop offers a rare opportunity to forge your very own kogatana (small Japanese blade) under the guidance of a renowned artisan swordsmith in Kyoto. Learn the secrets of this ancient craft and create a beautiful, functional blade to cherish forever.

Service Details:

  • Hands-on experience: Work alongside a skilled swordsmith in their forge, located about 1 hour from central Kyoto.

  • Authentic techniques: Learn the traditional Japanese blade-forging process used for both kogatana and full-sized katanas.

  • The journey unfolds in 4 hours:

    1. Hidukuri (火造り): Heat the iron with charcoal and shape it by hand into a knife form.
    2. Yakinamashi (焼きなまし): Heat the iron to 700°C, then cool it down with straw charcoal (for preparing iron particles).
    3. Tuchitori (土取り): Apply soil to mark areas for differential hardening during quenching.
    4. Meigiri (銘切り): Carve your name onto the blade with a chisel (optional).
    5. Yakiire (焼入れ): Harden the blade edge by heating it to 750°C and quenching it in water.
  • Your prized possession: Take home your handcrafted kogatana, a unique souvenir and a lasting reminder of your experience.

 

Age Restrictions:

  • Participants must be 10 years of age or older.

Booking Notes:

  • Please note that we may request changes to your reservation date or time due to limited participant numbers.
  • Bookings are for guests only. Unauthorized persons are not allowed.
  • For groups of 5 or more people, please contact us by email.

Shipping Options:

  • We have a successful track record of serving guests from various countries without any customs issues.
  • We offer a shipping option to your address for a small fee.

Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? (Information on booking and availability can be added here when provided)

P.S. Don't forget to capture photos and share your experience of forging your own piece of Japanese history!

Included

  • Metals needed to make your knife
  • Lesson workshop
  • Your handmade souvenir

Not Included

  • Transportation
  • Pick up and drop off

Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum

The Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto is one of the leading samurai museums in Japan, with a wide range of displays from all throughout Japan’s rich history. We are the only experience-based museum that specializes in providing in-depth and immersive activities that provide our visitors with new perspectives on Japanese history.
We have displays ranging from armors and weapons of the great samurai warriors and the mystical ninjas to everyday tools and artifacts from medieval and ancient Japan. Our souvenir gift shop features replica swords, tabi socks, and tabi shoes. 
We provide guided tours every day, lead by friendly staff who are fluent in English and Japanese. Join us as you explore the glorious history of the legendary samurais and the mysterious ninjas!


Contact Us

Email: samurai@mai-ko.com
Address: 寺町詩の小路 2F, 292 Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8043, Japan