Takumi・Zen・Samurai Unbound: Traditional Japanese swordforging, zazen meditation and iai swordsmanship
Step into the daring domain of the Japan’s historical warriors, with detailed explanations and demonstrations of swordmaking by master bladesmiths, Zen history and philosophy embodied by the samurai spirit, and swift but deadly motions of iaigiri. The best part is experiencing it all firsthand - hammer the steel fashioned into a blade, calm your mind and heart with Zazen meditation, and learn about the correct way to wield a katana as the final blow is struck. Unleash the fighter in you.
Recommended points
● At the Cutler SANSYU / Seki Hamono Museum, you get to not only observe a traditional swordsmithing demonstration, but also hold and hammer a katana the way it's been done for centuries, under the watchful guidance of Fujiwara Kanefusa XXV, a 25th-generation bladesmith, along with his son, Fujiwara Kanefusa XXVI, also a bladesmith. The Fujiwara family has been crafting swords for the Tokugawa family from the Muromachi Period for generations. Truly an exclusive experience!
● After a peaceful session of Zazen meditation on the grounds of the Ryutaiji Temple, with a prestigious and legendary history dating back to the year 1407 (the Muromachi Period), it's time for a change of pace as you watch a dynamic, powerful display of iai at the very same location. Watching the swift and deadly movements done with a real katana will definitely be something you won't forget!
● Get right into theoretical and practical aspects of both traditional Japanese artisanal skills and the samurai spirit through the teachings and activities offered through this very special course.
Overview
- Season
- 2025/4/1～2026/3/31 (Excluding year-end and New Year's Holidays)
- Activity Time
- 5 hours
- Place
-
Cutler SANSYU / Seki Hamono Museum (example)
950-1 Oze, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. 501-3265
- Number of Participants
- 2 to 5 people
- Reference Price
- From 158,400 yen per person
- Starting Point
- Gifu Station or Gifu City hotel
- Ending Point
- Gifu Station or Gifu City hotel
- Meeting Time
- 9:00, 11:30
- Schedule
-
・9:00・11:30 - Meet up at Gifu Station or at hotel in Gifu City
・9:30・12:00 - Traditional Japanese swordsmithing and hammering at Cutler SANSYU / Seki Hamono Museum
・11:00・13:30 - Depart for Ryutaiji Temple (about 15 mins by car)
・11:30・14:00 - Zazen meditation at Ryutaiji Temple
・12:00・14:30 - Iai observation at Ryutaiji Temple
・14:00・16:30 - Drop off at Gifu Station or at hotel in Gifu City
*This itinerary is an example
- Important Information
-
・Please wear clothes you can easily move in, and that you don't mind getting dirtied. Hakama available for borrowing.
・Signing a consent form is required for handling swords.
・Individuals under 17 years of age may only observe. Minimum of two adults in a group.
- Contact Information
-
Discover GIFU
Phone number: +81-(0)58-265-4831 (weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Email address: customer@gifu-tj.jp
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