Kumamoto Japanese Sword Forging Experience with Master Swordsmith

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1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Learn directly from Genrokuro Matsunaga, a government-certified swordsmith with 50 years of experience and over 1,000 katana forged. Watch the legendary folding-and-forging technique up close, featuring glowing steel, flying sparks, and thousand-year-old craftsmanship. Take up the hammer and strike red-hot steel yourself under the master's direct guidance. Meet the craftsman who recreated a National Treasure sword from the ancient Eta Funayama burial mound. Optional matcha tea experience at the forge and a name-engraving keepsake are available.

What's Included

Hands-on forging experience
Talk and live forging demonstration by the master swordsmith
The *Standard + Matcha Tea Experience* includes the Matcha Tea Experience and Japanese sweets.
Hotel pickup / drop-off
Food and drinks (Standard)
Name engraving (¥1,000, payable on site)
Take-home forged items (not permitted under Japanese sword regulations)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

- 10 minutes by car from Arao Station - 15 minutes on foot from Youme Town City Mall

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Step inside an authentic Japanese sword forge and meet "Genrokuro Matsunaga", one of only five certified swordsmiths in Kumamoto Prefecture. Since being certified by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1978, he has forged over 1,000 katana and recreated the National Treasure silver-inlaid sword from the Eta Funayama burial mound.

Learn the history and spirit of the Japanese sword, discover how iron sand becomes steel through the traditional "tatara" process, and watch the master forge glowing steel using centuries-old techniques.

Then, under Matsunaga-sensei's guidance, hammer the heated steel yourself—an experience offered by very few working sword forges in Japan.

After the demonstration, browse the workshop for souvenirs. Optional name engraving on a keepsake is available for *¥1,000 (payable on site).

Upgrade to the *Matcha Tea Option to prepare and enjoy authentic matcha at the forge (approx. 40 min, minimum 3 guests), combining two traditional Japanese cultural experiences in one visit.

Matsunaga-sensei shares his craft in simple English, creating a personal and memorable experience.

Please note: Forged steel pieces cannot be taken home due to Japanese regulations.

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by TAKUMI JAPAN TOURS

Tags

Historical Tours
Art Classes
Craft Classes
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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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