KATANA Tours
From years of filming the craft, we've earned the privilege of partnering with renowned experts who rarely open their doors to outsiders.
Now, fully licensed in Nara-ken, located near Asuka, we're honored to be able to offer a limited number of specialized tours that go deeper than typical tours, granting you special access to the authentic world of Katana. Our groups are tightly capped so you'll enjoy highly personalized experiences.
The journey will be hands-on and master-led, each uncovering detailed techniques and insights often only passed down generation to generation.
With our expert guides, you'll be immersed in the art, learning about the craftsmanship, tradition, and significance of the techniques that have made the Japanese Katana legendary.
What Makes Our Experiences Unique compared to others?
All our experiences are accompanied by a professional Japanese-English translator specifically trained for katana industry language.
We regularly collaborate one-on-one with each master to refine experiences to be deeper, easier to understand, and more unique.
Our company has genuine interest and specialization in the Katana industry.
We have access to some of the topmost professionals in the industry.
Rather than maximizing profit, our ultimate mission is to help create additional sustainability for craftsmen.
Located near Asuka, Nara Prefecture
What’S Available
Booking day packages is highly recommended for better cost efficiency, immersion, and enjoyment!
IMBUE YOUR STORY INTO A KATANA
In a peaceful forge, nestled within the quiet mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, you'll have the chance to experience several processes of hand-crafting a Japanese sword under the guidance of a professional katana kaji trained by one of the most famous lineages of Japan.
Witness how a block of iron can be transformed into a unique katana, accompanied by explanations and hands-on training.
Under our master craftsmen, you'll foster concentration, patience, and personal reflection, learning lessons only gainable by personal experience.
Seeing this traditional craftsmanship up close and helping shape a blade with your own hands is an incredible story to take home, granting you an understanding of katana few tourists can obtain.
You may even request a finished work later, a one-of-a-kind memento of your studies in Japan.
Note: Please be aware that a single katana takes multiple experienced craftsmen several weeks to months to be completed.
Length: Approximately 2.5 hours.
IMBUE YOUR STORY INTO A KATANA
In a peaceful forge, nestled within the quiet mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, you'll have the chance to experience several processes of hand-crafting a Japanese sword under the guidance of a professional katana kaji trained by one of the most famous lineages of Japan.
Witness how a block of iron can be transformed into a unique katana, accompanied by explanations and hands-on training.
Under our master craftsmen, you'll foster concentration, patience, and personal reflection, learning lessons only gainable by personal experience.
Seeing this traditional craftsmanship up close and helping shape a blade with your own hands is an incredible story to take home, granting you an understanding of katana few tourists can obtain.
You may even request a finished work later, a one-of-a-kind memento of your studies in Japan.
Note: Please be aware that a single katana takes multiple experienced craftsmen several weeks to months to be completed.
Length: Approximately 2.5 hours.
LEARN THE SPIRIT AND TECHNIQUES OF BUSHIDO
We offer exclusive Iaido experiences from either of two distinct masters. Both are highly respected Iaido masters with decades of study and long, respected lineages.
You'll learn the spirit of Bushido, the way of the samurai, and the stories that live in this martial art. Acquire real techniques used in times of war, rich in details necessary to perfect each skill.
Through this ancient martial art, you'll not only learn more of Japan's Spirit, but the practical reasons behind the iconic shape of the Katana.
Length: about 2 hours.
LEARN THE SPIRIT AND TECHNIQUES OF BUSHIDO
We offer exclusive Iaido experiences from either of two distinct masters. Both are highly respected Iaido masters with decades of study and long, respected lineages.
You'll learn the spirit of Bushido, the way of the samurai, and the stories that live in this martial art. Acquire real techniques used in times of war, rich in details necessary to perfect each skill.
Through this ancient martial art, you'll not only learn more of Japan's Spirit, but the practical reasons behind the iconic shape of the Katana.
Length: about 2 hours.
TRAIN PRACTICAL SKILLS WITH AN OPPONENT
Where Iaido emphasizes reaction to unexpected attacks, kenjutsu is an art that assumes both opponents are prepared to fight.
Classes use bokuto, wooden swords, to practice techniques such as striking or blocking another weapon. Sometimes another bokuto, but also commonly a bo staff. You’ll learn several drills, techniques, and even choreographies that require an opponent to learn. You’ll certainly be surprised by many of the details you learn behind the techniques, and also how challenging each can be to master.
You'll learn under the guidance of a master with an incredibly respected lineage who has mastered several styles and has trained since childhood.
Length: approximately 2 hours.
TRAIN PRACTICAL SKILLS WITH AN OPPONENT
Where Iaido emphasizes reaction to unexpected attacks, kenjutsu is an art that assumes both opponents are prepared to fight.
Classes use bokuto, wooden swords, to practice techniques such as striking or blocking another weapon. Sometimes another bokuto, but also commonly a bo staff. You’ll learn several drills, techniques, and even choreographies that require an opponent to learn. You’ll certainly be surprised by many of the details you learn behind the techniques, and also how challenging each can be to master.
You'll learn under the guidance of a master with an incredibly respected lineage who has mastered several styles and has trained since childhood.
Length: approximately 2 hours.
CRAFT A PLACE OF REST
The shirasaya means “white scabbbard” in Japanese. Each shirasaya is hand carved to fit the particular katana it is meant to store. It is meant for times of rest, made from aged magnolia wood, meant to absorb moisture and seal out oxygen to prevent rust without varnish. You’ll be guided through the woodworking techniques used to carve a shirasaya, using all authentic materials including 7-year aged wood.
Shirasaya masters are in high demand because of the need for their products. We feel extremely privileged to be able to have access to our master craftsman.
Length: Approximately 2 hours.
CRAFT A PLACE OF REST
The shirasaya means “white scabbbard” in Japanese. Each shirasaya is hand carved to fit the particular katana it is meant to store. It is meant for times of rest, made from aged magnolia wood, meant to absorb moisture and seal out oxygen to prevent rust without varnish. You’ll be guided through the woodworking techniques used to carve a shirasaya, using all authentic materials including 7-year aged wood.
Shirasaya masters are in high demand because of the need for their products. We feel extremely privileged to be able to have access to our master craftsman.
Length: Approximately 2 hours.
SHARPEN A BLADE TO PERFECTION
Polishing katana has traditionally been done by hand, each katana taking hundreds of hours to perfectly polish and sharpen. This makes katana polishers in extremely high demand, so we are extremely privileged to have access to this master polisher who has disciples that fly in from all over the world to study with him.
You’ll be given access to his private workspace, teaching you the techniques behind polishing a blade to perfection with natural whetstones. See how a hamon can be revealed, or how an ancient blade can be restored.
Note: This experience requires sitting for extended periods of time in a bent position and you may handle real katana, possibly hundreds of years old. Spaces may be very limited.
Length: About 2 hours.
SHARPEN A BLADE TO PERFECTION
Polishing katana has traditionally been done by hand, each katana taking hundreds of hours to perfectly polish and sharpen. This makes katana polishers in extremely high demand, so we are extremely privileged to have access to this master polisher who has disciples that fly in from all over the world to study with him.
You’ll be given access to his private workspace, teaching you the techniques behind polishing a blade to perfection with natural whetstones. See how a hamon can be revealed, or how an ancient blade can be restored.
Note: This experience requires sitting for extended periods of time in a bent position and you may handle real katana, possibly hundreds of years old. Spaces may be very limited.
Length: About 2 hours.
Custom Day Packages (Recommended)
We are the only company in Japan offering multi-day Katana-focused experiences.
Let us take care of everything as you turn 1-3 days in Japan into a cohesive intensive, integrating select exclusive experiences, related education and experiences with historic, religious, and cultural tours, museums, transportation, hotel, food, translation and guidance over the course of your stay near Asuka, Nara, widely considered the birthplace of Japan.
If you’re already interested in multiple exclusive experiences, we highly recommend considering this service as we apply significant discounts to our experiences for day package customers, ultimately saving you money and making your trip significantly easier to plan. Additional discounts apply to multiple bookings as a party.
As each experience is custom, just add this to your cart and we will reach out and help you design your trip and apply the discounts.
We are the only company in Japan offering multi-day Katana-focused experiences.
Let us take care of everything as you turn 1-3 days in Japan into a cohesive intensive. Integrate our select exclusive experiences with related education and experiences, historic, religious, and cultural tours, museums, transportation, hotel, translation and guidance over the course of your stay near Asuka, Nara, widely considered the birthplace of Japan.
If you’re already interested in multiple exclusive experiences, we highly recommend considering this service as we apply significant discounts to our experiences for day package customers, ultimately saving you money and making your trip easier to plan. Additional discounts apply to multiple individuals booking as a group.
As each experience is custom, just add this to your cart and we will reach out and help you design your trip.
Additional Experiences Available
A MOMENT OF SERENITY AND SELF-REFLECTION
For samurai, the tea ceremony was more than entertainment. Amidst life-threatening battles, it was a vital spiritual practice—a space to calm the mind, introspect deeply, enhance concentration, and also functioned as an important setting for social and political engagement.
The tea ceremony was intertwined with the very way of life of the samurai.
With this background in mind, we invite you to experience the tea ceremony.
In a tranquil and beautiful temple, savor the heartfelt hospitality of an attentive tea master. As you enjoy delicious tea and prepare your own, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture, step away from daily stresses, and enjoy a special moment of mindfulness and serenity.
An introductory Aikido Experience with a local master with dozens of years of experience.
Bring a professional photographer to your experience or package with us to memorialize your time in Japan. Kage Media, as a media company, only offers highly skilled professional photography services for clients.
We also pride ourselves in capturing Japanese culture and experiences in tasteful and respectful ways, remaining sensitive to the inner world of each industry so as to preserve our highly valued relationships.
Add a professional video to your experience, memorializing your time in Japan.
Want epic photos of your time in Japan? Book an epic, customizable photoshoot with either an award winning photographer, or a local photographer specializing in culturally aware photos.
Makeup, location scouting, transportation, as well as assistants will be included, though each circumstance varies.
1-2 hours of shooting.
10-15 finished photos will be delivered.
Additional photos can be purchased.
Example photos are from our primary photographer.
More Experiences Coming…
We are constantly working to build relationships with respected local professionals and artists. Check back regularly to see what else we are offering…
