Gigative · Experiences
Kumamoto Japanese Sword Forging Experience with Master Swordsmith
About this experience
Learn directly from Genrokuro Matsunaga, a government-certified swordsmith with 50 years of experience and over 1,000 katana forged. Watch the legendary folding-and-forging technique up close, featuring glowing steel, flying sparks, and thousand-year-old craftsmanship. Take up the hammer and strike red-hot steel yourself under the master's direct guidance. Meet the craftsman who recreated a National Treasure sword from the ancient Eta Funayama burial mound. Optional matcha tea experience at the forge and a name-engraving keepsake are available.
What to expect
Step inside an authentic Japanese sword forge and meet "Genrokuro Matsunaga", one of only five certified swordsmiths in Kumamoto Prefecture. Since being certified by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1978, he has forged over 1,000 katana and recreated the National Treasure silver-inlaid sword from the Eta Funayama burial mound. Learn the history and spirit of the Japanese sword, discover how iron sand becomes steel through the traditional "tatara" process, and watch the master forge glowing steel using centuries-old techniques. Then, under Matsunaga-sensei's guidance, hammer the heated steel yourself—an experience offered by very few working sword forges in Japan. After the demonstration, browse the workshop for souvenirs. Optional name engraving on a keepsake is available for *¥1,000 (payable on site). Upgrade to the *Matcha Tea Option to prepare and enjoy authentic matcha at the forge (approx. 40 min, minimum 3 guests), combining two traditional Japanese cultural experiences in one visit. Matsunaga-sensei shares his craft in simple English, creating a personal and memorable experience. Please note: Forged steel pieces cannot be taken home due to Japanese regulations.
What’s included
- Hands-on forging experience
- Talk and live forging demonstration by the master swordsmith
- The *Standard + Matcha Tea Experience* includes the Matcha Tea Experience and Japanese sweets.
Not included
- Hotel pickup / drop-off
- Food and drinks (Standard)
- Name engraving (¥1,000, payable on site)
- Take-home forged items (not permitted under Japanese sword regulations)
Tour & ticket options
Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.
Standard＋Matcha Tea Experience
Tea Ceremony: Prepare and enjoy a bowl of matcha (40 minutes) Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes Matcha
Standard
Standard Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meeting & pickup
- - 10 minutes by car from Arao Station - 15 minutes on foot from Youme Town City Mall
End point
- - 10 minutes by car from Arao Station - 15 minutes on foot from Youme Town City Mall
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.