Knife Making: Forge Your Own Blade

Forge your own knife in Kyoto with expert guidance. Experience the thrill of blacksmithing and create a unique keepsake. Book your adventure today.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • studio NIN 八瀬 - This immersive experience offers a comprehensive understanding of “forging.” Participants will learn to use the tools and craft a knife following the traditional methods used in creating Japanese kitchen knives. It’s an unforgettable journey.
    This experience includes:
  1. Dress in a traditional goldsmith outfit for an authentic…
What's Included
  • A set of tools used to make knives
  • Uniform
  • English Guide
What's Not Included
  • Snacks
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

Mao, your instructor, is a seasoned knife expert with over a decade of experience in sharpening knives. He will guide you through the knife-making process in a straightforward manner, perfect for beginners. While some tasks may be hazardous, rest assured. The highlight of the experience is “forging,” where hot iron is repeatedly hammered. Detailed…

Location
studio NIN 八瀬
We operate out of two studios in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto.Our staff will message you prior to your visit to confirm which location you should attend. We look forward to seeing you at one of our beautiful forging spaces: ・Studio NIN Yase  or ・Studio NIN Kendo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(70 Ratings)
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Joepl2019
Apr 19, 2026
Unforgettable - Amazing experience and something you will remember forever!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynb7777
Apr 15, 2026
A unique experience! - This whole experience was something neither of us had ever seen or done before. Takata was excellent at explaining everything and helping me to get my blade to the right shape. It's very physical but well worth the effort to produce a unique souvenir. Don't expect a shiny, shop-quality knife, but it will still be a usable item and something that will bring up good memories every time you pull it out at home. Make sure you tell them if you have already paid for a handle. It is a bit extra for engraving on the blade. It is also a long way to get to, so allow yourself time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jarrett_b
Apr 13, 2026
Authentic and unique experience! - Amazing experience. Very informative and knowlegable fogers. The work is difficult and very hot so be prepared with water before hand. You get protective attire. I love that you can choose from multiple knives. I highly recommend upgrading for the handle.
Review provided by Viator
Amy_k
Apr 9, 2026
Very fun and would... - Very fun and would totally recommend. Our instructor, Taka, was excellent! Definitely hard on your arms but fun and you feel like you learn somethings and create a knife and memory!
Review provided by Viator
Wanderingdad2019
Apr 6, 2026
Great experience - Super fun - did it as dad/son event. Ton of work, and you make a knife of your choosing that you can be proud of. Couple of notes - be sure you eat ahead of time, and bring drinks - this is hard work. They’ll ask you if you want to pay for a handle - be sure to check if you already pre- paid for a handle. Sodas/juice are all fee-based, so just being your own, or drink the water they do provide. Highly recommended as a parent-child event. Don’t bring people who don’t want to do this.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ashley
Apr 3, 2026
Incredible experience! - Incredible experience. Never done anything like this before and so glad I did. It's was so much fun but also the end product is so good!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
898aidanh
Apr 1, 2026
Fun, but physically demanding - Very fun. About two and a half hours long, maybe 3. The smiths were very kind and helpful. It’s physically demanding though, and very hot when next to the furnace, so be prepared for that.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erika
Apr 1, 2026
Blacksmith knife making - Very engaging instructors, and small group atmosphere. This is off the beaten path a bit but very fun, a little physically challenging activity but the instructors help if needed. The knives completed were definitely very cool and a great souvenir of our trip. Well worth it and highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E5405ggbrittanyr
Mar 25, 2026
Once in a lifetime experience! HIGHLY recommend it. - This is hands down one of the coolest things we did while visiting Kyoto! My husband and I had so much fun, and the guys who guided us through the experience were so helpful and really down to earth! We accidentally went to the wrong location, so I recommend calling to confirm which location you should go to if you are not sure where to go, or if the confirmation email gets lost. In spite of this, they were really nice about it, and someone from the correct location came to drive us there. They supplied traditional blacksmith clothes to wear over our street clothes so they wouldn’t get dirty. We had so much fun pounding the iron (prepare for an intense arm workout) and sharpening the blade, and they guys were really nice about helping us out whenever we got stuck or had any questions. 10/10, would do again! ^-^
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sean_s
Mar 18, 2026
Cool Photography With Knife Making - Very cool introduction to knife making. The staff gave very detailed instructions on what to do and how to do it. Cool visual effects from the experience, be ready for great photo opportunities. This is a must do when in Kyoto. Be prepared for figuring out transportation. The system is great, but you may need an hour if using the local transport lines.
Review provided by Viator
From $154
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).