Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture
A lecture and sword making demonstration from one of Japan’s few remaining swordsmiths
Swordsmith Norizane Miyagi has been making swords for 45 years, continuing to refine his skills even to this day. At his forge, receive a demonstration and explanation of the steps involved in sword making. There, visitors will also have the opportunity to try their hand at the sunobe step of the swordmaking process. Afterwards, visit Norizane Miyagi’s own residence for a private viewing of his personal collection of real Japanese swords as you enjoy his lecture on their history and function.
Thanks to the efforts of Norizane Miyagi in preserving these swordmaking methods which are an esteemed part of Shiroishi’s history and cultural heritage, these swordmaking techniques were designated an Intangible Cultural Property (Traditional Craft) of Shiroishi in July 2025.
Schedule:
- At the sword forge, receive an explanation and demonstration of the following steps of the swordmaking process: sunobe hammering, hizukuri forging, tsuchioki (tsuchitori) clay coating and removal, and yakiire heating-quenching.
- Because the yakiire step takes time, the coating of the blade with the yakibazuchi clay will be done in advance by the swordsmith, which shortens the process time by about 10 minutes.
- Visitors try the sunobe hammering step of the sword making process for themselves
- Travel from workshop to swordsmith’s home to receive a private viewing of real Japanese swords and a talk on their history and function, design, etc. in order to come to deeply appreciate Japanese swords as works of art.
- As a memento of the experience, visitors will each receive a small knife with their name engraved on the blade (Reservation required at least five weeks in advance).
Because the sunobe hammering experience involves the use of heated materials, please use caution. Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver.
Because there is no restroom at the swordsmith’s forge, it will be necessary to relieve yourself before arriving for the tour and experience.
For the talk on the design, function, etc. of swords, visitors will need to transfer to a location about 10 minutes away from the forge by private vehicle.
In the event you would like the tour provider to arrange a taxi, etc. on your behalf, please be sure to inquire in advance regarding that request.
Please be aware that clothing may get dirty during this tour, so please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.
Experience Snapshot
What's Included
Demonstration viewing fee, sunobe hammering experience and instruction fee, personalized knife for early reservers, arrangement fee
Cost
Please inquire below.
Experience Availability
Available
January through May, October through December
*Please inquire at time of booking regarding specific dates and hours
Average Duration
1.5 to 2 hours
Participants
From 1-10 guests.
Meeting Location
Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture
Important notes
Reservation availability may vary. Reserve to confirm availability.
Please notify us at least 3 days before if you must cancel or modify your reservation.
Requests for reservations for this experience must be made at least three weeks in advance. To receive the commemorative personalized knife, you must make your reservation at least five weeks in advance.
Inquire today
You can send a booking inquiry below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm the booking with our partners and send you a booking confirmation email at least two weeks before your desired date.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of the experience.
Cancelation policy
Our cancelation policy for this experience is below. Percentages represent the non-refundable portion of your experience fee.
14-8 days before date of experience
10% of total price
7 days up to 3 days before date of experience
25% of total price
2 days before date of experience
50% of total price
Less than 48 hours notice
No refund
