The world of sumo
Discover another side of Japanese culture, through sumo and its training spaces.
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JAPANESE SWORD · KUMAMOTO & KYOTO
The way of the sword. Meet the hands behind the blade.
Strike the steel at a certified swordsmith’s forge in Arao, Kumamoto. Wear samurai armour in Kyoto and learn the warrior’s code. Discover the craft, then explore a sword for your own collection.
THE SWORDSMITH · ARAO, KUMAMOTO
Genrokuro Matsunaga. At the swordsmith’s forge.
At his forge in Arao, Kumamoto, you meet swordsmith Genrokuro Matsunaga. The supplied information describes him as one of five government-certified swordsmiths in Kumamoto.
Watch the steel fold and glow as the swordsmith works. After a forging demonstration and talk, take the hammer yourself. This is a chance to encounter not only the blade, but the work that gives it form.
The explanation in English comes from the swordsmith himself, rather than through an interpreter. Hear about the craft in the maker’s own words.
The original material describes the number of licensed swordsmiths in Japan as “a few hundred”. The national and Kumamoto counts are source descriptions; current numbers are to be confirmed.
WATCH, THEN TAKE THE HAMMER
Strike the steel with your own hands.
Begin with the swordsmith’s demonstration and explanation. Guests aged six and over can strike the steel themselves. The longer plan includes matcha and sweets.
- Location
- Arao, Kumamoto
- Duration
- 1 h 30 min · 2 h 10 min with matcha
- Start / ages
- 13:30 · ages 6 and over
- Language
- English, from the swordsmith
- Price
- ¥1,000,000 · per person
Hands-on forging and purchasing a sword are separate enquiries. The experience does not include a finished sword to take home.
CENTRAL KYOTO
Wear the armour. Learn the way of the samurai.
In central Kyoto, guests are dressed in samurai armour, learn how a warrior held and handled the sword, and hear the code the samurai lived by. Armour dressing, etiquette and time for photographs are included.
While forging in Kumamoto introduces the maker’s work, the Kyoto experience explores the conduct of the person who carried the sword. Choose according to your interests and travel plans.
- Duration
- 1 h 30 min
- Start time
- Set with your booking
- Language
- English · others on request
- Price
- ¥16,500 · per person
The Kyoto armour photographs, including the experience card image, are reference material rather than confirmed photographs of the venue or costumes. Other languages are on request.
THE COLLECTION · JAPANESE SWORDS
A sword from a certified smith. For your own collection.
For those who wish to own a sword as well as experience the craft, explore the Japanese sword collection and enquire about works by certified smiths.
The original material offers an explanation of the registration certificate and export procedure, with paperwork arranged before shipping. Required documents, procedures and shipping availability must be confirmed for the particular sword and destination.
This page does not process payment or confirm a purchase. Registration, export, import and delivery conditions are to be confirmed. Shipping to every country or taking a sword home during your trip is not guaranteed.
SWORDS & SAMURAI EXPERIENCES
Choose your way into the world of the sword.
Strike the steel in Arao or wear the armour in Kyoto. Read the experience details, then tell us your dates, group size and preferred language so we can confirm availability and the plan.
Browse all experiences
Japanese Sword Forging with a Master Swordsmith
Watch a certified swordsmith forge the blade, then strike the steel yourself.
Wear the Armour of a Samurai
Wear samurai armour and learn how a warrior handled the sword.
Prices and durations follow the supplied experience data. Confirm your chosen date, plan price and participation conditions when enquiring.
ANOTHER WAY INTO JAPANESE CULTURE
Beyond the sword. Find your next encounter.
Art bonsai
Explore the artist’s sensibility through the world of bonsai.
Explore the featureMochi pounding
Gather around the mortar and mallet for a hands-on taste of Japanese food culture.
Explore the featureLET’S CREATE YOUR JOURNEY
From a day at the forge to a sword of your own.
Tell us your dates, group size, language and interests. We will confirm the experience or collection details. The shared form lets you review your enquiry, then prepare an email draft or copy it; it does not send a message or confirm a booking on this site.