The Japanese katana is often idealized as the deadly weapon of samurai. What might be not as well known is that the katana is not only a weapon but that it symbolizes “protection” both against physical and immaterial foes. At Fusahiro’s studio, a special type of katana, the “mamori gatana” is produced, which is a talisman sword used in particular for spiritual protection. In fact, these swords were traditionally enshrined in Japanese homes to ward off evil and were part of various ceremonies and rituals for protective measures. These days, there are approximately only 150 swordsmiths in Japan due to the difficulty in getting a national certification and the aging population. Witness the cre...
Highlights
3 hours
Offered in German (Deutsch) & 6 Others
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
3 hours
Offered in German (Deutsch) & 6 Others
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Hands-on forging experience
A DeeperJapan certified guide, interpreting in your language
You will meet with your guide at Honjo Waseda train station (south exit) and from there will have to take a taxi to the experience venue. Taxi costs are not covered.
Meeting Points
Departure
Honjō-Waseda Station
Your guide will meet you at the South exit of Honjo-Waseda Station at 1:00 PM.
Return
The Art of Samurai Swords | Katana Forge
1-chōme
About
The Japanese katana is often idealized as the deadly weapon of samurai. What might be not as well known is that the katana is not only a weapon but that it symbolizes “protection” both against physical and immaterial foes. At Fusahiro’s studio, a special type of katana, the “mamori gatana” is produced, which is a talisman sword used in particular for spiritual protection. In fact, these swords were traditionally enshrined in Japanese homes to ward off evil and were part of various ceremonies and rituals for protective measures. These days, there are approximately only 150 swordsmiths in Japan due to the difficulty in getting a national certification and the aging population. Witness the cre...
Highlights
3 hours
Offered in German (Deutsch) & 6 Others
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
3 hours
Offered in German (Deutsch) & 6 Others
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Hands-on forging experience
A DeeperJapan certified guide, interpreting in your language
You will meet with your guide at Honjo Waseda train station (south exit) and from there will have to take a taxi to the experience venue. Taxi costs are not covered.
Meeting Points
Departure
Honjō-Waseda Station
Your guide will meet you at the South exit of Honjo-Waseda Station at 1:00 PM.
Return
Itinerary
Learn about the history and philosophy of Japanese sword making and then watch a demonstration by Fusahiro. Next, get hands-on and experience forging the iron sand, tamahagane (gem steel/ jewel steel) with a hammer. Wrap things up with a photo session, posing with a completed Japanese Katana made by Fusahiro!
Note that you will not take the sword home.
What to wear Clothing and close-toed shoes you wouldn’t mind getting dirty or potentially affected by spark burns. We recommend clothes that cover your arms and legs.
What else you should know You will need to take a taxi (20 minute ride) to and from the studio. The roundtrip taxi fare will be around 6000 JPY.
