Takumi・Zen・Samurai Unbound: Traditional Japanese swordforging, zazen meditation and iai swordsmanship
Step into the daring domain of Japan's historical warriors! Delve into the elements of the fight and focus with detailed explanations and demonstrations of swordmaking by master bladesmiths with expertise from generations of forging swords for the Tokugawa family, 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 the correct ways to wield a katana as you strike the final blow. Unleash the fighter in you.
Overview
- Season
- 2025/4/1～2026/3/31
- Activity Time
- 5 hours
- Place
-
Cutlery Shop Sanshu/Seki Cutlery Museum (example)
950-1 Oze, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, 501-3265
- Detail
-
[Departure point] Gifu Station or hotels in Gifu city
[Arrival point] Gifu Station or hotel in Gifu city
[Meeting time] 9:00, 11:30
[Number of participants] 2 to 5 people
[Detailed 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, hands-on activity and instruction at Ryutaiji Temple
・14:00・16:30 – Drop off at Gifu Station or at hotel in Gifu City
* This itinerary is an example
[Reference price] From 158,400 yen per person
[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 Fujiawara 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 hands-on experiences offered through this very special course.
[Contact Information]
Discover GIFU
Phone number: +81-(0)58-265-4831 (weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Email address: customer@gifu-tj.jp
- Precautions
-
Please wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Hakama are available for rental.
Since you will be handling real swords, we will ask you to sign a consent form.
Those under 17 may only observe. Tour must be conducted with 2 or more adults.
.jpeg)
