Explore the historic city of Sakai, Japan's most renowned center for handcrafted kitchen knives, on this immersive 3.5-hour guided tour.

Begin with a stop at a traditional Japanese confectionery to enjoy a freshly made mochi, before visiting the Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum, where you'll learn about the city's centuries-old craftsmanship and knife-making heritage.

Depending on the day of your visit, you'll enjoy one of two exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences:

Tuesdays & Thursdays – Traditional Knife Maker
Visit a family-run knife workshop with over 100 years of history. Watch skilled craftsmen sharpen, engrave, and assemble handmade Japanese kitchen knives, then take part in a traditional sharpening lesson. Guests also have the opportunity to order a fully customized knife directly from the workshop.

Mondays & Wednesdays – Blacksmith Experience
Step inside an authentic blacksmith's forge and discover how knife blades are forged using traditional techniques. Meet the artisan, learn about the forging process, and try hammering heated steel under expert supervision. Finished knives are also available for purchase directly from the blacksmith.

This experience offers a rare opportunity to discover one of Japan's most respected traditional crafts while meeting the artisans who continue to preserve it today.

Price
From around ¥10,100–¥12,200 per person (depending on the selected experience)
Photo credits

Japan Tour Adventure (images from their official website).