Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture
A special forge demonstration and house visit with one of Japan’s few remaining swordsmiths
Take part in an immersive and exclusive experience with one of the few remaining sword smiths in Japan in the castle town of Shiroishi City.
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 sword making process where they will be able to step into the forge and hammer alongside Mr. Miyagi.
Afterwards, visit Norizane Miyagi’s own residence for a private viewing of his personal collection of Japanese swords made both by his family and famous artisans through the ages as you hear his own philosophy on swords and his passion for his lifelong dedication to this iconic craft and its integral role in Japan’s identity. You will also be able to see the small details of finished pieces here, the changes of sword shape and function through the ages of Japanese society.
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.
This experience is for those with a passion for stories, people, and history.
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 forged from the same tamahagane steel by Mr. Miyagi 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
- Instruction fee
- Small souvenir knife (personalized for early reservers)
- Arrangement fee
Cost
¥107,418 per person in a group of 2
Participants
1 to 10 guests
Experience Availability
January through May, October through December
Please inquire at time of booking regarding specific dates and hours.
Average Duration
2 to 3 hours
Meeting Location
Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture
Booking Deadline and Important notes
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.
Reservation availability may vary. Reserve to confirm availability.
Please notify us at least 3 days before if you must cancel or modify your reservation.
Reservation Inquiries
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. Please note that due to the tamahagane knife and special arrangements made for this program, this program has immediate cancelation fees in order to book the experience.
10 days or more before date of experience
50% of total price
9 to 3 days before date of experience
70% of total price
Less than 48 hours notice
No refund
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