Knife Making Experience in Samurai Sword Town

Gifu Prefecture , Japan

Knife Making Experience in Samurai Sword Town

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About this experience

Craft your own professional Damascus kitchen knife in the legendary sword town of Seki, Gifu!
Guided by a master bladesmith who have experience over 50years, you’ll sharpen, polish, and engrave your own knife — then test its sharpness on fresh vegetables.
As a limited-time bonus, you’ll receive a handcrafted mini knife souvenir, a signed certificate, and enjoy a delicious Japanese lunch.

・Personalized Damascus knife-making experience
・Hands-on polishing, sharpening, engraving and assembly
・Test the sharpness of your finished blade
・Free mini knife souvenir (limited availability)
・Signed certificate of completion

Delve into the rich history of Japanese Samurai swords and Seki City. Gain a deeper appreciation for the value of traditions.

Whether you’re a knife enthusiast, a samurai fan, or simply looking for a unique cultural activity in Japan, this experience offers an unforgettable journey into traditional craftsmanship — and you’ll take home a blade that’s truly one of a kind.

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Knife Making Experience in Samurai Sword Town

Pickup included

What's included

English speaking guide and support

Name engraving on your knife

Certificate of completion

Entry fee (Museum)

Knife-making workshop with Damascus Kitchen Knife set

Japanese traditional cuisine with local fresh vegetables

Professional supervision by a master craftsman for knife

Mini-knife souvenir (limited-time gift)

Detailed itinerary

Make Your Own Samurai Knife at the Knife Museum in Seki city, Gifu pref. You can see several kind of rare and unique knives all over the world. You can have experience for making your own knife with craftsman as your treasure of Japanese memory.
G.SAKAI is a leadingJapanese knife producer with trade partners all over the world. The variety of their products and their high-quality knives have been acknowledged by many customers around the globe, in fact they exhibited at the Milan trade fair "Salone del Mobile Milano"in 2017-the global benchmark event for the furnishing and design sector. G.SAKAI's knives are now used in various professional fields, such as cookery, hunting, outdoor sports, and even military training.
In this activity, you will visit the Knife Museum just next to G.SAKAI's factory. There you will see interesting rare items and exhibits from all over the world. You will construct your own knife in the atelier by assembly, polishing, sharpening, and writing your name.

Visit at Swordsmith Museum, you can learn deeply Samurai and Japanese swords history in Japan.
Seki City in Gifu Prefecture developed as a major center for Sword making as early as the 13th century thanks to rich deposits of iron sand in the local Nagara River. During the Edo period, there were several hundred blacksmiths producing a large number of Samurai Swords and Knives.

Seki City in Gifu is one of the three cutlery-producing regions in the world and boasts the highest cutlery production volume in Japan. Seki's cutlery has inherited skills and techniques with tradition of more than 700 years. Even today, it continues to produce high-quality blades rich in functionality and design by interesting traditional techniques with the latest technology. You might also find something new here.

The foundation of this temple dates back to the mid-eighteenth century. There are "The Great Bell" and "The Tour of the Kaidan which are very famous as a Japanese history and tradition. You can try ring the bell and can enjoy the lingering notes. And there lies a kaidan or holy dark passageway under the main hall. Kaidan literally means a Buddhist ordination platform. It is believed that Buddha would lead people to heaven, their mind and body being purified by following the complete dark passage. Surely you will be able to be blessed with happiness.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

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4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

23 reviews

5★

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3★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You can easily join for a day trip, roughly 1.5~2 hours by train from Kyoto

Meeting point

We will pickup Sekitomioka Station of Nagara River Train nearest transportation from Knife Museum in Seki City.
Our driver will wait for you in front of station at 10:08AM when is arriving time of train.

About Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture, located in the Chubu region of Japan, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and traditional crafts. From the iconic Mount Kinka to the serene Gifu Castle, this destination offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience.

Top Attractions

Gifu Castle

Gifu Castle, also known as Inabayama Castle, is a reconstructed castle with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. It offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥350

Mount Kinka

Mount Kinka is a scenic mountain located in the heart of Gifu City. It is home to Gifu Castle and offers hiking trails with beautiful views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (except for castle entry fee)

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. This picturesque village offers a glimpse into rural Japanese life and is especially beautiful during the winter when the thatched roofs are covered in snow.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, ¥800 for the Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses Museum

Takayama

Takayama is a charming town known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage. It is also famous for its annual Takayama Festival, one of Japan's most important festivals.

Historical Full day to overnight Free to explore, ¥600 for the Hida Folk Village

Gujo Hachiman Castle

Gujo Hachiman Castle is a beautifully preserved castle with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It is known for its unique architecture and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Historical 2-3 hours ¥500

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hida Beef

Hida beef is a high-quality, tender beef from the Hida region, known for its marbling and rich flavor. It is often served as sushi, steak, or hot pot.

Main Dish Contains meat

Gifu Crab

Gifu crab, particularly snow crab and horsehair crab, is a delicacy in the region. It is often served steamed, grilled, or in hot pot dishes.

Main Dish Contains shellfish

Takayama Ramen

Takayama ramen is a local specialty featuring a rich, miso-based broth with noodles, topped with ingredients like Hida beef, green onions, and bamboo shoots.

Main Dish Contains meat and soy

Gohei Mochi

Gohei mochi is a traditional Gifu sweet made from glutinous rice dough grilled over an open flame and topped with sweet soy glaze and bonito flakes.

Snack Vegetarian (without bonito flakes)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Japanese Alps White-water rafting on the Nagara River Mountain biking in the countryside Onsen (hot spring) visits Picnicking by the Nagara River Tea ceremonies in traditional settings Visiting historic castles and temples Participating in traditional festivals

Best Time to Visit

April to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring offers cherry blossoms and mild weather, while autumn provides vibrant foliage and comfortable temperatures. These seasons are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Gifu Prefecture is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid unlicensed taxis or tour guides

Getting there

By air

Chubu Centrair International Airport • 60 km from Gifu City
Gifu Airport • 10 km from Gifu City

By train

Gifu Station, Nagoya Station

By bus

Gifu Bus Center, Meitetsu Bus Center

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Gifu, connecting major attractions and neighborhoods. The system is efficient and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gifu City Takayama Shirakawa-go Gujo Hachiman

Day trips

Shirakawa-go

60 km from Gifu City • Full day

Takayama

100 km from Gifu City • Full day to overnight

Gujo Hachiman

50 km from Gifu City • Half day to full day

Gujo Hachiman is a charming town known for its well-preserved castle, historic streets, and the famous Gujo Odori Dance Festival. It offers a mix of traditional and modern attractions, making it a great day trip destination.

Festivals

Takayama Festival • April 14-15 (Spring Festival) and October 9-10 (Autumn Festival) Gujo Odori Dance Festival • July 31 - August 1 (Main festival) and throughout the summer (Evening dances) Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up • January 15 - February 15 (Dates may vary)

Pro tips

Visit Gifu Castle early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.
Try Hida beef, a local delicacy, at one of the many specialty restaurants in Takayama or Gifu City.
Explore the historic streets of Takayama on foot, and don't miss the morning markets for fresh local produce and street food.
Experience the magical winter light-up event in Shirakawa-go, where the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses are illuminated at night.
Participate in a traditional tea ceremony or onsen (hot spring) experience for a unique and relaxing cultural activity.