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Kumamoto Japanese Sword Forging Experience with Master Swordsmith

Location Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
$224.02
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.

Overview

Learn directly from Genrokuro Matsunaga, a government-certified swordsmith with 50 years of experience and over 1,000 katana forged. Watch the legendary folding-and-forging technique up close, featuring glowing steel, flying sparks, and thousand-year-old craftsmanship. Take up the hammer and strike red-hot steel yourself under the master's direct guidance. Meet the craftsman who recreated a National Treasure sword from the ancient Eta Funayama burial mound. Optional matcha tea experience at the forge and a name-engraving keepsake are available.
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The experience offers several options. This price includes:

Standard
Standard
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

The experience offers several options, check yours above
  • The *Standard + Matcha Tea Experience* includes the Matcha Tea Experience and Japanese sweets.
  • Talk and live forging demonstration by the master swordsmith
  • Hands-on forging experience
  • Take-home forged items (not permitted under Japanese sword regulations)
  • Name engraving (¥1,000, payable on site)
  • Food and drinks (Standard)
  • Hotel pickup / drop-off

Meeting point
- 10 minutes by car from Arao Station - 15 minutes on foot from Youme Town City Mall
Return details
- 10 minutes by car from Arao Station - 15 minutes on foot from Youme Town City Mall

Step inside an authentic Japanese sword forge and meet "Genrokuro Matsunaga", one of only five certified swordsmiths in Kumamoto Prefecture. Since being certified by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1978, he has forged over 1,000 katana and recreated the National Treasure silver-inlaid sword from the Eta Funayama burial mound.

Learn the history and spirit of the Japanese sword, discover how iron sand becomes steel through the traditional "tatara" process, and watch the master forge glowing steel using centuries-old techniques.

Then, under Matsunaga-sensei's guidance, hammer the heated steel yourself—an experience offered by very few working sword forges in Japan.

After the demonstration, browse the workshop for souvenirs. Optional name engraving on a keepsake is available for *¥1,000 (payable on site).

Upgrade to the *Matcha Tea Option to prepare and enjoy authentic matcha at the forge (approx. 40 min, minimum 3 guests), combining two traditional Japanese cultural experiences in one visit.

Matsunaga-sensei shares his craft in simple English, creating a personal and memorable experience.

Please note: Forged steel pieces cannot be taken home due to Japanese regulations.

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • How it works?
    01 — You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 — We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 — Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

    Kumamoto Japanese Sword Forging Experience with Master Swordsmith

    Location Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
    $224.02
    This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.
    How it works?
    01 — You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 — We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 — Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

    Delivery options

    eVoucher

    • Free
    • Instant delivery
    • Environmentally friendly

    Physical Gift Box

    • $10.00 fee
    • 2-5 business days
    • Shipping Worldwide

    No expiration date
    Easy refund
    Free exchange
    Easy booking
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