Our guide will introduce you to one of the few remaining swordsmen in Japan.
See the revered art of samurai sword making in action. During your time in Tokyo, why not take a day trip out of the city to visit one of Japan’s few remaining swordsmen? At Only One we are proud to work with a master sword maker. Katana or samurai swords have been handcrafted in Japan since the 10th century using a special steel called tamahagane. The layers of steel with different concentrations of carbon are folded and joined to give the swords strength and flexibility. Later, the swordsman skillfully adds a curve to the sword and finally the blade must be polished, which can take up to three weeks.
You will be accompanied by our guide, a professional guide who will act as a translator while the swordsman shows you his workshop and explains the katana, the manufacturing process. The visit will last around 3 hours and you may have the opportunity to help him with some sword-making steps.
Other ideas for sword enthusiasts include the Osafune Sword Museum near Okayama and the Seki Swordsmith Museum in Gifu, both of which have sword-making demonstrations at certain times of the year.