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
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.
LEARN THE SPIRIT AND TECHNIQUES OF BUSHIDO
We offer exclusive Iaido experiences with two distinct masters.
In the first, you'll learn the spirit of Bushido, the way of the samurai, and the stories that live in this martial art.
The second provides intensive training to acquire practical techniques, rich in details necessary to perfect each skill.
Both are guided by highly respected Iaido masters with decades of study and long, respected lineages.
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.
Note: The fee covers both instructors and the combined sessions last about 3-4 hours.
REVEALING THE BEAUTY IN A BLADE
An ancient Japanese sword regains its original brilliance and sharpness through careful polishing. Polishing and sharpening a single katana can take 100-140 hours of work, requiring intense concentration and a finely tuned sense of touch as you bring a Katana back to life.
You'll learn under the guidance of our master polisher, one of the most prestigious in the world, with disciples all over Japan and even overseas. As waiting lists for top togishi in Japan often span years due to the scarcity of masters, we are incredibly privileged to have access to this master.
Customers may handle authentic blades often hundreds of years old and highly treasured as only the most valuable blades are worth professional polishing.
By directly experiencing several phases of this process, you'll learn the nuances of sharpening, gaining deeper appreciation for each unique Katana as your eye is trained to better recognize quality work that has been brought to life by the many artists behind it.
Note: This experience requires sitting and bending forward for long periods of time which may be challenging.
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.
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. 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
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…
