Seki in 2 Days - Hands-on Damascus kitchen knife workshop with master bladesmith
In Collaboration with MOST JAPAN. Updated on April 3, 2026.
Hands-on Damascus kitchen knife workshop in Seki, Gifu, guided by a master bladesmith. Includes polishing, sharpening, engraving, a sharpness test, a signed certificate, a limited mini-knife souvenir, Japanese lunch, museum entry, English-speaking support and licensed private transport. Pickup available from Sekitomioka Station.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with MOST JAPAN, inspired by the tour Knife Making Experience in Samurai Sword Town. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Hands-on Damascus kitchen knife workshop with master bladesmith
- Polishing, sharpening, engraving, assembly and sharpness test
- Signed certificate and limited mini-knife souvenir
- Visit Seki’s sword and cutlery museums and Zenkoji Temple
- Japanese traditional lunch with local fresh vegetables included
More than 1 itineraries in Seki.
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup at Sekitomioka Station at 10:08 for transfer to the Knife Museum. The main program runs from 10:30 and combines a hands-on Damascus knife workshop, museum visits, a Japanese lunch, and short cultural stops around central Seki. Total scheduled time-blocks below fit the 5-hour program and include short transit buffers for private vehicle transfers between stops.
G・SAKAI, Knife Museum
Hands-on knife-making workshop at the Knife Museum in Seki. Under the supervision of an experienced master bladesmith you will polish, sharpen, engrave (name engraving), assemble your Damascus kitchen knife and test its sharpness on fresh vegetables. The signed certificate and (limited) mini-knife souvenir are issued after completion. English-speaking guide support and museum entry included.
- Monday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- Meet your driver at Sekitomioka Station by 10:08 for the short private transfer; allow a few minutes to find the pickup point outside the station entrance.
- Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable, non-flowing clothing — the workshop includes standing and handling sharpened tools.
- Inform staff of any physical restrictions before the session; the workshop involves repetitive wrist/arm movements and some standing.
Sword-smith Museum
Guided visit to the Sword-smith Museum to learn the history and techniques of Samurai swords and Seki’s centuries-old blade-making tradition. The guide will highlight local materials, historic context and how Seki developed as a major center for sword and knife production.
- Monday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Follow on-site signage and staff instructions — some historical displays may restrict touching or flash photography.
- Allow 10–15 minutes travel time by private vehicle from the Knife Museum; staff will coordinate the short transfer.
- Ask the guide about the Nagara River’s role in local iron sand sourcing — it explains Seki’s historic metalworking development.
Cutlery Hall
Short visit to Seki’s Cutlery Hall to see contemporary cutlery production, traditional techniques paired with modern technology, and examples of functional and design-led blades. Time to view displays and ask staff about materials and finishing techniques.
- Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Handle displayed knives only when invited by staff; many exhibits are for viewing only and handled demonstrations are scheduled by staff.
- Allow a brief 10–15 minute private transfer from the Sword-smith Museum; the program keeps visits short to maintain comfortable pacing.
- If you plan to inspect blades closely, ask staff for a demonstration or to handle a sample under supervision for safety.
Seki Zenkoji-Temple
Calm cultural stop at Zenkoji Temple in Seki to experience a moment of reflection after the workshop and museum visits. A brief walk and time to appreciate temple architecture and local cultural context.
- Monday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Observe standard temple etiquette: speak softly, follow signage, and remove hats where indicated.
- Photography is usually allowed in outdoor temple areas but avoid flash near religious icons or indoor exhibits.
- This is a short, low-effort stop; inform your guide if you need a seated rest before concluding the program.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Culture, Attraction |