KATANA Tours
Experience the revered world of Japan's Katana in an intimate group setting.
From years of filming the craft, we've earned the trust and privilege of partnering with renowned experts who rarely open their doors to outsiders.
Now, fully licensed, we're honored to be able to offer a limited number of specialized tours that grant you deep 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’S Available
Imbue Your Spirit 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.
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 dojo 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 are about 3-4 hours.
BREATHE LIFE INTO A KATANA
An ancient Japanese sword regains its original brilliance and sharpness through careful polishing.
The polishing process is a delicate task that requires intense concentration and a finely tuned sense of touch as you bring a Katana back to life.
This experience will not only deepen your understanding of Japanese Katana, but also reveal the spirit of the samurai, who revered and protected these blades.
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.
We believe that by directly experiencing several phases of properly polishing a sword, you'll gain deeper appreciation for each unique Katana, 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.
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 demand because of the need for their products, and we feel extremely privileged to be able to have access to our master craftsman.
A Moment of Serenity and Self-Reflection
Tea Ceremony
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.
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…
