Authentic Knife Making Experience at a Blacksmith in Kyoto

Recommended by 96% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Kyoto, Japan

High interest

Booked 3 times today.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· Sai_G ·

Jun 2026

Great experience for our family ... very professional treatment, high focus on safety, high quality gear and finally fantastic service by the staff ... they helped our family a lot...

· Amber_D ·

May 2026

We were looking for an experience that was out of the normal shrine/temples. This knife making experience didn’t disappoint! The staff were great and walked us through the entire process. We left with an awesome keep sake from our trip. Forging your own knife is a fun and enjoyable time. I recommend this tour!

Explore our promoted experiences

Kyoto, Japan

Zen Temple Yoga and Meditation in Kyoto

from $218

Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion

Kyoto, Japan

5.0

(3,488)

Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion

from $16

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Hanafuda Card Game Experience with Local English Learners

from $0

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Japan is known for its world-class kitchenware, and with this hands-on experience, you can learn how to forge your own knife. Don’t worry about bringing anything with you, as all materials are provided to make the class as hassle-free as possible. Also, the group size is kept small so you can get plenty of help throughout.

Create an incredible souvenir—a handmade Japanese knife
Learn multiple skills—including how to forge, sharpen, and polish
No need to source protective clothes: A uniform is provided
A small group size means a more personalized experience

What's Included

Uniform
English Guide
A set of tools used to make knives

Snacks
Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

studio NIN 八瀬
168-1 Yasenosechō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1254, Japan
We operate two forging studios in Sakyo Ward, provide the same facilities and experience. Unless noted otherwise, please head to "studio NIN Yase". Depending on reservation status, your session may take place at "studio NIN Kendo". If your location is changed, our staff will contact you in advance.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Rurikoin

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 101 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Sort by: Most insightful

Unique family experience

Meredith_J, Jun 2026

Our family of 2 adults and 2 teens enjoyed this experience a lot. The two hosts spoke English very well. Despite the potential danger of working with very hot metal, the steps were very orderly and created a safe environment. As others have said, it is hard work, but the guides helped when needed. Our whole family really enjoyed this experience.

Wow

Leslie_B, Jun 2026

This was truly one of the most interactive experiences I've done anywhere in the world. You start with a small price of metal then forge it at over 1500 degrees. The forge area was obviously hot but not too uncomfortable so. The work was somewhat hard but very manageable and the staff will help as much or as little as you need. The sharpening and polishing part also so cool to see your knife really take form. The staff all spoke great english and was very good at their jobs. Beautiful location on the river and also great swords on sale for a reasonable price. Thank you

Lots of manual labor, but...

Tony_T, Jun 2026

Lots of manual labor, but worth it. Not easy to access, but organizers were very gracious and patient.

Loved it

Natalie_S, Jun 2026

It was my husband, daughter and I and we all truly enjoyed this experience. They were very helpful in guiding the group and you end up with a wonderful keepsake of your trip to Japan. Be prepared to work hard and sweat.

for unique souvenir lovers

shoval_B, Jun 2026

Overall experience, loved everything about it, the history, the end product, it was unique attraction, recommend to everyone who likes unique souvenir

A nice introduction into knife forging.

Michael_U, Jun 2026

Overall a nice introduction into the process of forging a knife. The metal used is pretty soft, and the blade will be thin. Water quenched, so not sure blade is even hardened. The staff is very accommodating and speak and understand English fairly well.

This was a great...

Chris_R, Jun 2026

This was a great experience. Wife booked this for my son and I as a surprise. We really enjoyed it, learned a lot and would recommend. I would advise that kids be on the older side when doing this at is physically demanding and kids will get a little restless and there is no place for them to run around so would highly encourage parents to think twice before signing up young kids (12 and under ). Otherwise, this was a well organized event and we really enjoyed the facility and the staff. Learned a lot and have a great souvenir that I can proudly display on my office wall with a great story to go along with it . Memories were made.

Worthwhile experience

Sai_G, Jun 2026

Great experience for our family ... very professional treatment, high focus on safety, high quality gear and finally fantastic service by the staff ... they helped our family a lot...

What a memorable experience!

Paul_s, Jun 2026

What an amazing experience from start to finish. The staff and instructors are very helpful and enthusiastic in sharing their expertise with you. The forging can be a little tiresome for younger participants. Can’t recommend enough!

This was so much fun! It...

Jake_W, May 2026

This was so much fun! It was a once in a lifetime experience that I’m super happy to have been apart of! It took quite a bit of effort to complete, but the results spoke for themselves. The staff was super helpful and supportive to making sure you got what you wanted!

Create a knife to take home with you!

Amber_D, May 2026

Be careful

karina_v, May 2026

I was super excited about this experience; however while I was heating up the knifes (700 Celsius) while they well cutting the knife a piece of it flew and burn my clothes and skin. This is hazardous if is not done with care. They did return my money back but they did not care about whether I got hurt or not. They were rude, they did not ask if was alright. My advice is if you are going to do this I suggest to be carful and make sure to wear old clothes. Although they said it rarely happens when we were sharpening the knives one of the fans in the wall got on fire and we all had to stop and leave. All around it was not a great experience.

Great experience!

John_F, May 2026

If you ever wanted to know what it was like to hammer out and sharpen your own knife, this is the place. Your are guided through the process step by step and assisted when needed. Would do it again.

Unique experience

Amber_M, May 2026

Honestly one of the most authentic and truly different things I have ever done on a trip. Worth every penny. It is alot of work but so rewarding!

Great experience

SamsonConnor_M, May 2026

Was a great afternoon making the knives, would recommend this as a must do for an extended stay in Kyoto. Well worth it.

Authentic and unique experience!

Jarrett_B, Apr 2026

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.

Very fun and would...

Amy_K, Apr 2026

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!

Cool Photography With Knife Making

Sean_s, Mar 2026

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.

Physically demanding but...

V_B, Mar 2026

Physically demanding but excellent help and most rewarding experience. Also they made it safe and fun

Fantastic-book immediately!

Seanna_L, Mar 2026

We heard that Osaka was where the comedians are, Taka proved they are alive and well in Kyoto as well! Wonderful, fun experience-highly recommend! My arms are still sore writing my review.

Sharper than the devil himself

Greta_H, Mar 2026

Great fun. And a really nice team. Just don’t expect too much as your knife may not cut the skin off a christmas custard. I loved mine - the ugliest and at the same time most beautiful artwork ever forged. Very happy with the result and cant wait to have a crack at that custard.

Get ready to hammer!

Drew_M, Feb 2026

Be prepared for a bit of a workout (I mean you’re hammering out your knife). The team was great and knew what they were doing and how to make it fun for those of us who’ve done backsliding before as well as those who’ve never seen a forge before.

Great people. Great experience.

Michael_E, Feb 2026

So much fun! I love Japanese carpentry but had little experience blacksmithing. My wife and I made a sushimi and utility knife from the provided ‘white paper’ grade steel. They gave us plenty of time and were very helpful when needed. Some knives do not need a handle, For others you can purchase an authentic Japanese Cedar handle separately. I told them that I would make the handle at home and they said that was totally fine. They were very kind and accommodating. Best of all the knives we made seem to be high quality and I expect to use them regularly.

This was a 10/10

Belinda_T, Dec 2025

Really fun and interesting experience. Diaki was an engaging excellent teacher, and quietly stepped in to assist when needed. And what a great take-home souvenir!

Fun knife making

Jimmy_J, Dec 2025

Had a great time. Staff was very friendly and helpful. You work hammering the hot steel to harden and shape the knife. The staff showed us how to do it safely.

An excellent activity to...

santiago_h, Dec 2025

An excellent activity to gain some insight into the remarkable craftsmanship of Japanese knife making. Our instructors were cheerful, patient, and very helpful in correcting our very amateur efforts. Thank you for a most enjoyable experience.

Enjoyable hands on experience that gives a traditional feel for Japanese craftsmanship

Sophie_C, Dec 2025

Friendly staff who are extremely helpful if needed to ensure you get a product ypu are happy with at the end

Humbling Fun

Mathew_F, Nov 2025

Very nice experience for individuals or couples. If you’ve watched forged by fire it’s not that hard but it is strenuous as you hammer the metal billet into shape. Once done you grind and sharpening. Had a great time challenging myself.

Had a great time at Nin...

April_G, Nov 2025

Had a great time at Nin Studio. Very educational, would highly recommend it. Instructors made the experience.

Great day of learning and appreciating

Andrea_K, Nov 2025

The workshop was a lot of fun. We were taught how to forge our knife blades, grind our knives so that we’re clean and finished, and finally sharpen. It took a little bit of work and energy to get this done, but we got a great workout. We would highly recommend this tour/experience!