The Experiences
Katana forging, sword polishing, iaido and scabbard carving with Japan’s working masters. You work with Genuine materials throughout.
Katana Experiences in Nara, Japan
Nara was Japan’s first capital. The craft traditions that took root there, in metalworking, swordsmanship and woodworking, have been practiced in the same way for over a thousand years. Kage operates in the oldest city in the prefecture, in areas most visitors pass through on their way to somewhere else.
Through years of working alongside craftsmen as filmmakers, Kage has earned access to masters who work largely outside the public eye.
Every experience is master-led, with a translator and guide present that specializes in katana and sword-craft terminology. Every visit is built around your travel dates, group size, and what draws you.
What Makes Our Experiences Unique?
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 specialization in the Katana industry.
We have access to some of the topmost professionals in the industry.
Rather than maximizing profit, we aim to help create additional sustainability for craftsmen.
Located near Asuka, Nara Prefecture
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Katana Forging
The forge sits in the mountains outside the city. You work with Tamahagane, the raw ore that becomes a katana, handling the bellows, working the hammer, applying the clay, learning the path of the kaji.
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Katana Polishing
The blade on the table when you arrive may be centuries old. The master is one of Japan's most recognized polishers, and the pieces he works on carry histories he knows well.
You work through the techniques on with natural whetstones. What you take from the session is as much about what he knows as what you learn with your hands.
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Iaido
Iaido was born from Japan’s feudal era as iaijutsu, a practical training to react to surprise attacks. It can be translated as, “the way of being present,” and has since blended into a meditative practice as a symbol of discipline, preparedness, and resolve.
No prior experience needed. Suitable for larger groups.
For those with experience, Kenjutsu and intermediate Iaido are also available. -
Shirasaya
A shirasaya is the resting place of a blade, hand-carved from aged magnolia wood to preserve the steel. The interior is carved to the exact dimensions of the blade it holds.
The tools are handmade by the master himself, every cut calibrated to the blade you traced at the start.
IMBUE YOUR STORY INTO A KATANA
In a peaceful forge, nestled in the quiet mountains, you'll experience several hand-crafting processes for a Japanese sword under the guidance of a professional katana kaji, trained by one of the most famous lineages in the world.
Witness how a block of sand iron can be transformed into a unique katana, accompanied by explanations and hands-on training.
Under our master craftsmen, you'll foster concentration and awareness, 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 experience few tourists obtain.
You may even request a finished work later, a one-of-a-kind memento of your studies in Japan.
Note: Please be aware 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 in the quiet mountains, you'll experience several hand-crafting processes for a Japanese sword under the guidance of a professional katana kaji, trained by one of the most famous lineages in the world.
Witness how a block of sand iron can be transformed into a unique katana, accompanied by explanations and hands-on training.
Under our master craftsmen, you'll foster concentration and awareness, 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 experience few tourists obtain.
You may even request a finished work later, a one-of-a-kind memento of your studies in Japan.
Note: Please be aware a single katana takes multiple experienced craftsmen several weeks to months to be completed.
Length: Approximately 2.5 hours.
LEARN THE SPIRIT OF BUSHIDO
We offer 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 way of the samurai, and the stories that live in this martial art. Acquire techniques 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 reasons behind the iconic shape of the Katana.
Length: about 2 hours.
LEARN THE SPIRIT OF BUSHIDO
We offer 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 way of the samurai, and the stories that live in this martial art. Acquire techniques 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 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 assumes both opponents are prepared to fight.
Classes use bokuto, wooden swords, to practice techniques such as striking or blocking another weapon like another bokuto, but also commonly a bo staff. You’ll learn drills, techniques, and choreographies that require an opponent to learn. Be surprised by the details you learn behind the skills, and also how challenging each is to master.
You'll learn under the guidance of a grandmaster 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 assumes both opponents are prepared to fight.
Classes use bokuto, wooden swords, to practice techniques such as striking or blocking another weapon like another bokuto, but also commonly a bo staff. You’ll learn drills, techniques, and choreographies that require an opponent to learn. Be surprised by the details you learn behind the skills, and also how challenging each is to master.
You'll learn under the guidance of a grandmaster 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 a particular katana it’s meant to store when at rest. Made from aged magnolia wood to absorb moisture and seal out oxygen, it prevents rust without varnish. You’ll be guided through woodworking techniques used to carve a shirasaya, using authentic materials including 7-year aged wood.
Shirasaya masters are in high demand because of the need for their products. We’re extremely privileged 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 a particular katana it’s meant to store when at rest. Made from aged magnolia wood to absorb moisture and seal out oxygen, it prevents rust without varnish. You’ll be guided through woodworking techniques used to carve a shirasaya, using authentic materials including 7-year aged wood.
Shirasaya masters are in high demand because of the need for their products. We’re extremely privileged to have access to our master craftsman.
Length: Approximately 2 hours.
SHARPEN A BLADE TO PERFECTION
Polishing katana is traditionally done by hand, each katana hundreds of hours to perfectly polish and sharpen. This makes katana polishers in huge demand, and we have access to a master polisher with active disciples from all over the world.
You’ll gain access to his private workspace, and learn techniques of polishing with natural whetstones. See how a hamon can be revealed, or how an ancient blade is 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 is traditionally done by hand, each katana hundreds of hours to perfectly polish and sharpen. This makes katana polishers in huge demand, and we have access to a master polisher with active disciples from all over the world.
You’ll gain access to his private workspace, and learn techniques of polishing with natural whetstones. See how a hamon can be revealed, or how an ancient blade is 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.
We are the only company in Japan offering multi-day Katana experiences.
Let us take care of everything and experience a cohesive intensive. Integrate our exclusive experiences with related education, experiences, historic, religious, and cultural tours, transportation, hotel, translation and guidance over the course of your stay near Asuka, Nara, widely considered the birthplace of Japan itself.
If you’re already interested in multiple experiences, considering day packages as we apply significant discounts, saving you money and making your trip easier to plan. Additional discounts apply to multiple individuals booking as a group.
As each tour is custom, fill out our form and we will reach out to help design your unique 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.
Full Customer Interview
More Experiences Coming…
We are constantly building new relationships with respected professionals. Check back regularly to see what else we are offering…
