Japan’s knife heartland is Sakai near Osaka, but Kyoto has its own smiths, and Aritsugu in Nishiki Market has sold blades since the 1500s. These workshops run from finishing and sharpening a knife to working at a forge; pack the result in checked luggage.
Experience authentic Japanese blacksmithing in Kyoto with a hands-on knife-making tour led by expert Mao, creating a practical souvenir in just 3 hours.
Most Popular★ 4.8“What a unique and fun experience! Our instructor Taka was extremely knowledgeable and very upbeat and positive, I went on a Monday which is usually a day they are closed but if enough people sign up they will do it, so it was quite a…”
★★★★★★★★★★
350 reviews3 hoursFrom $154by Kendo Experience
Sharpen and finish your own Japanese kitchen knife in a one-hour Kyoto workshop, with English-speaking guidance and a take-home keepsake.
★ 4.9“★★★★★ Absolutely amazing experience and one of the highlights of our time in Kyoto! Marble was our instructor and he was fantastic - friendly, patient, knowledgeable, and made the whole workshop fun and easy to follow. Everything was very well organized, and you could really…”
★★★★★★★★★★
249 reviews1 hourFrom $66.35
Sharpen and finish a Japanese kitchen knife in a small-group Kyoto workshop, with a craft instructor, practical skills, and a useful souvenir.
★ 5.0“great experience experience:”
★★★★★★★★★★
228 reviews1 hourFrom $67.89
Forge a 13 to 15 cm Japanese knife in a Kyoto blacksmith shop, with patient instruction, real hammer work, and a handmade souvenir.
★ 4.9“This was very fun but extremely exhausting! The hammering of the metal is the hardest part and takes a solid 1+ hr to do. Beware if you can't handle the heat, sit as far away from the center of the room as possible. I would…”
★★★★★★★★★★
133 reviews2 hoursFrom $159.79
Nestled in the historic heart of Kyoto, a renowned blacksmith studio invites visitors to craft their own Japanese-style knives, a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the age-old tradition of master craftsmanship.
★ 5.0“Just amazing. The train that takes you there is also a one carriage cutie. Lovely little village on the outskirts of Kyoto. The blacksmiths were amazing....super helpful and corrected any mistakes you made hammering the steel. As a chef..this was up there with some of…”
★★★★★★★★★★
53 reviewsFrom $158.52by Atelier NIN
Sharpen a Japanese kitchen knife in Arashiyama, or choose a blade and fit its handle in a hands-on Kyoto workshop.
★ 5.0“Great experience! It was wonderful.”
★★★★★★★★★★
22 reviewsFrom $31.60