Arts and Crafts
Japanese Sword "Katana" Blacksmith Tour and Sword-worshiping Experience :
Masamune Kogei, which inherits the techniques of the famous sword Masamune
Overview
"Masamune" is a Japanese sword designated as a national treasure of Japan.
"Hiromasa" , fifth generation after "Okazaki Goro Nyudo Masamune" who forged "Masamune", was given the name "Tsunahiro" by Ujitsuna Hojo, a famous War load of the Sengoku period.
After that, the Tsunahiro family prospered as the official forge of the Tokugawa family ( The Shogun family that stabilized Japan and built the Edo era ) for generations.
The forge withstood the dreaded Sword Abolition Order of the Meiji era (1868-1912), and continued as "Masamune Kogei" in the Showa era (1926-1989).
In this rare experience, you will learn about Japanese sword smithing from one of only about 140 sword smiths still existing in Japan, and actually be able to hold a Japanese sword in your hands.
Key Features
・This is a valuable experience to observe the production and forging of Japanese swords, and to actually hold a Japanese sword in your hands at Masamune Kogei, which carries on the tradition of the sword smith "Masamune" .
・You will be able to observe the production and forging of Japanese swords at the blacksmith shop of Masamune Kogei.
・You will receive a firsthand explanation of Japanese sword smithing from one of only about 140 sword smiths still existing in Japan.
・A member of the Kamakura Sword Society will give you a talk about the interesting history of Japanese swords and tips on how to appreciate them.
・Afterwards, you will actually hold a Japanese sword in your hands, and receive an explanation about the Japanese sword you have seen.
・Only available on the Waka An plan, a " Kamakura Local ", who loves Japanese culture will explain all the experiences, all in English.
Not only the interesting explanations about sword smithing and sword worship, but all the experiences will be fully explained in English.
Of course, he will also fully assist you with everything as an interpreter, allowing you to perfectly enjoy your experience without language barriers.
￥25,900 /person
Min 2 persons
Private event
150 min.
Please note that a minimum charge of ¥51,800 will apply for bookings with less than 2 persons.
・The price includes experience, facility charges, material fees, translation service fees, and taxes.
・The price may be revised after we receive your booking request.
In such cases, we will notify you via e-mail correspondence.
Price
from
/person
¥25,900
Required quantity of people
Min
2
person(s)
Time required
from
to
150
150
min.
min.
- Please note that a charge for 2 persons will apply for bookings with less than 2 persons.
- Minimum charge amount differs depending on the program options chosen.
Request for Booking
Details
"Masamune", the restorer of the Japanese swordsmithing
At the end of the Kamakura period (1185-1333), invited by the fifth regent of the Kamakura shogunate Tokiyori Hojo, sword smiths gathered in Kamakura from various regions, and established the foundation of Kamakura blacksmithing.
"Goro Nyudo Masamune" was a representative sword smith of the period.
And his works, combining beauty and practicality, were regarded as a model for later generations of sword smiths.
In the history of Japanese swords, the styles characteristic of swords from the five provinces of Yamashiro, Yamato, Bizen, Mino, and Sagami are called "Yamashiro-den," "Yamato-den," "Bizen-den," "Mino-den," and "Soshu-den," respectively.These are collectively called "Gokaden.
"Goro Nyudo Masamune" was a master sword smith who established the style known as "Soshu-den" in the late Kamakura period.
The "Soshu-den" sword is characterized by a thin but extremely strong blade, which was an innovative forging method that revolutionized the common practice of sword making.
The appearance of "Goro Nyudo Masamune" marked a major turning point in the history of swords in Japan.
For this reason, "Masamune" is positioned as the "restorer of Japanese sword smithing".
After Masamune, the fifth generation "Hiromasa" received the name "Tsunahiro" from Ujitsuna Hojo, a famous War load of the Sengoku period,
of the Odawara Hojo clan. And the Tsunahiro family prospered as an official smith of the Tokugawa clan ( The Shogun family that stabilized Japan and built the Edo era ).
A characteristic of Soshu-den established by Goro Nyudo Masamune is that it is fired at a high temperature.
By firing at high temperatures, the temper pattern of the blade becomes larger.
However, when baked at high temperatures, it becomes more easier to break.
So the material is a mixture of soft and hard iron to compensate for this drawback.
This unique technique results in a beautiful sword with a large temper blade pattern, and Soshu-den has found high value as a work of art.
Tsunahiro Yamamura, the former head of the Tsunahiro family and the late Masamune's 24th grandson, believed that a good sword is a sword with dignity.
To put it simply, it can be interpreted as , looking at a sword and first thinking "beautiful", instead of thinking "it looks sharp".
The late Tsunahiro Yamamura devoted himself to making swords that "look big when pulled out" and "make you want to look at them".
Visit the forge where the tradition of sword smith "Masamune" is inherited
And realize the fascination of Japanese swords through the experience of sword worship
You will have a chance to observe forging (striking heated iron with a hammer), which is one of the processes in the production of Japanese swords, at the forge of Masamune Kogei, which carries on the tradition of the sword smith "Masamune".
This is a rare opportunity to learn about Japanese sword smithing from one of the only 140 sword smiths in Japan who still forge Japanese swords.
Because of the possibility of fire sparks, it is recommended that the lower half of the body be dressed in clothing that is easy to move and with a minimum skin exposure.
After observing the forging, you will move to a different location to hear a member of the Kamakura Sword Society give an interesting talk on the history of Japanese swords, as well as tips on how to appreciate Japanese swords.
After listening to the talk, finally, you will have the experience of actually holding and appreciating the Japanese sword in your hands.
Japanese swords are works of art that represent the spirit of the Japanese people.
By actually holding a Japanese sword in your hand, you can experience the history and beauty of the Japanese sword to your heart's content.
Enjoy the whole experience in stress-free English
Limited to the Waka An plan, all experiences, including the interesting explanations about sword smithing and sword worship, will be fully supported in English by a " Kamakura Local ", with native-like English ability, and is a lover of Japanese culture, and has been involved in international business for over 35 years with the motto "to be a bridge between Japan and overseas".
Of course, you will also receive support for all the interpretation throughout the entire experience,
allowing you to fully enjoy the experience without language barriers.
Enjoy the stress-free experience without the language barrier, that only Waka An can offer.
Masamune Kogei Bijutsu Seisakusho
( Masamune Sword and Blade Workshop )
Located in an incredible location just 3 minutes from Kamakura Station in the city, Masamune Sword and Blade Workshop carries on the tradition of "Goro Nyudo Masamune", who established the style known as "Soshu-den" in the late Kamakura period.
Currently, the company manufactures not only swords, but also kitchen knives and other cutlery and iron crafts with the sharpness of a sword.
Location
Masamune Kogei Bijutsu Seisakusho
( Masamune Sword and Blade Workshop )
13-19, Onari Cho , Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
・3 min. walk from Kamakura Station of JR ( Japan Railway)
・We do not have a parking lot. If you come by car, please use the nearby parking lot.
・Meeting place may be slightly different from the location of the venue.
For the exact meeting point, please check email from Waka An.
Things to know
Availability date and time
・Arranged on request, except Tuesdays, year-end and new year holidays, temporary closure, and the unavailable date and time shown on the booking calendar.
・Starting and ending time : Between 10:00 to 16:00.
・The blacksmith shop is currently undergoing renovations, so the experience will begin around in October.
Please contact us separately if you would like to have an experience during September.
・Business hours and holidays are subject to change.
・Booking must be made at least 14 days in advance, and it may take longer during busy seasons.
・Please check the available dates on the calendar in advance, before requesting the desired date.
・Due to the popularity of this experience, we may not be able to accommodate your request on the day you request. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
Price
￥25,900 /person
Please note that a minimum charge of ¥51,800 will apply for bookings with less than 2 persons.
・The price includes experience, facility charges, material fees, translation service fees, and taxes.
・The price may be revised after we receive your booking request.
In such cases, we will notify you via e-mail correspondence.
Required quantity of people
( Minimum and Maximum number )
2 people up to 6 people per event
・All experiences are private for your group, but there may be other groups joining together due to the availability of the schedule.
Experience Itinerary
1. Meet at Masamune Kogei
(Please gather 5 minutes before the start of the experience. Please be punctual.)
2. Observe the production and forging of Japanese swords at Masamune Kogei's blacksmith shop
3. Explanation of forging directly from the sword smith
4. Interesting talk on the history of Japanese swords and tips on how to appreciate them, from a member of the Kamakura Sword Society
5. Japanese sword worshipping, with the sword actually held in your hands
6. Explanation about the Japanese sword that was viewed
7. Q&A
8. Dissolution
・Above itinerary is a guide.
Please note that the contents are subject to change depending on the season, availability, and other conditions of the day.
Booking Flow
Booking must be made at least 14 days before the experience date, and it may take longer during busy seasons.
1. Booking Request
Please send us your booking request.
2. Arrangement
A member of our staff will respond within 5 working days and tailor the request.
3. Pre-Authorization
Booking details will be pre-authorized with your consent.
4. Payment
Please arrange the payment within 3 days.
5. Booking Authorization
・Please check the available dates on the calendar in advance, before requesting the desired date.
・Due to the popularity of this experience, we may not be able to accommodate your request on the day you request. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
Payment condition
Payment in advance
(Credit card (JPY)only)
Cancellation policy
Our cancellation policy allows for a full refund if you cancel your booking 7 days before the experience date. Please contact before 05:00 PM (JST).
・Changes to the schedule are not allowed after the cancellation policy is applied.
If you wish to make changes to the schedule or the number of guests before the cancellation policy applies, please cancel your reservation and then rebook.
・Please note that depending on your chosen payment method, a money transfer fee may be deducted from the refund amount.
Guest requirements
Minimum age: 15 years old
・Minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・If minors under 18 years of age participates in the event, and if there is a companion who will not participate in the experience, the companion will still be charged the fee for one person.
・This experience uses real Japanese swords, which are works of art.
Participants will be asked to agree to a pledge not to harm the Japanese swords themselves at the time of participation.
And to sign the pledge before experiencing the sword.
・Smoking is prohibited.
Smoking is prohibited inside the rooms as well as outside in the garden and other areas.
・Bringing pets is prohibited.
Clothes
・Clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting dirty are recommended, as sparks and ashes may fly.
・It is advisable to wear long sleeves and pants to prevent burns, even in the summer.
Further remarks
・Arrival later than 10 minutes after the starting time will result in cancellation. No refunds will be made.
・Exercise caution while handling a sword. Keep a close eye on any accompanying children.
・For summer workshop participants, take precautions against heat stroke, and ensure to stay hydrated
as the workshop interior can become quite hot.
・Smoking is prohibited.
Smoking is prohibited inside the rooms as well as outside in the garden and other areas.
・Bringing pets is prohibited.
・All experiences are private for your group, but there may be other groups joining together due to the availability of the schedule.
・Due to unavoidable circumstances, programs or workshops are subject to last-minute changes and cancellations.
・Due to the different progress of each participant, the ending time may be earlier or later than planned.
・Transportation is to be arranged by the customer themselves.
・No parking is available. If you come by car, please use the parking lots near by.
・Please note that we do not assume responsibility for injuries, clothing, or item damage during the experience.
・In the following cases, the experience may be cancelled before or even after the start of the experience on the day of the experience.
- When the person experiencing the program is a patient with a specified infectious disease, etc.
- When the experiencer is unable to do the experience due to illness, absence of a necessary caregiver, or other reasons.
- When the experiencer is found to have committed an act contrary to the law, public order, or good morals.
- When an experiencer uses language or behavior that causes significant inconvenience to other experiencers.
- When the experiencer disrupts the discipline of the experience by assault or threats, etc., and interferes with the safe and smooth implementation of the experience