Splendid Seki: The Way of the Samurai in the City of Blades
Come see the cutting-edge expertise, the time-honored tradition, and the enduring legacy behind the foundations of one of the world's three major cutlery centers - Seki City, the City of Blades, with a lineup of exciting activities with plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience. Start with an introduction to the history of blacksmithing in Seki and viewing of Japanese swords at a museum before enjoying a delicious unagidon (eel rice bowl) lunch - a source of strength and stamina for the local swordsmiths. Then, try your hand at making nerikiri, a type of traditional Japanese sweet supervised by a well-loved and long-established local confectionery store. Enjoy your delightful creations with green tea in a tea room. You have the option of doing so dressed in kimono. Finally, discover spiritual balance at a historical temple, where you can choose between Zazen meditation or shabutsu (tracing an image of Buddha) as your activity of choice. Manji (swastika)-shaped kaidan meguri and kanetsuki (ringing the temple bell) are also available.
Recommended points
● Uncover the history of Seki, one of the world’s three major cutlery centers, at a museum before visiting a renowned, long-established restaurant specializing in eel dishes.
● Make traditional Japanese sweets and enjoy genuine matcha at a tea ceremony, with supervision from the staff at a wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shop. You have the option to do both activities dressed in kimono of your choice. Also, check out the tasty and heat-resistant katana ice cream, a dessert fitting for Japan's City of Cutlery.
● Choose between Zazen meditation and shabutsu (tracing an image of Buddha) at a historical temple. Your name can be written in kanji for the latter.
Overview
- Season
- 2025/12/1～2027/3/31 (Excluding Mon-Wed, the day after public holidays, Obon holidays, 10/11,12, year-end and New Year’s holidays, 1/26-2/3)
- Activity Time
- 7 hours 30 minutes
- Place
-
Seki Swordsmith Museum (example)
Minamikasuga-cho, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. 501-3857
- Number of Participants
- 1 to 8 people
- Reference Price
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
※ Guide interpreters, pick up and drop off transportation as well as other custom arrangements can be made. Please inquire for further details.
- Starting Point
- JR Gifu Station or hotel within Gifu City
- Ending Point
- JR Gifu Station or hotel within Gifu City
- Meeting Time
- 10:20
- Schedule
-
10:20 - Meet up at Gifu Station or hotel within Gifu City
11:00 - Visit the museum, shopping at Seki Terrace
12:00 - Unadon (eel rice bowl) for lunch
13:30 - Traditional Japanese sweets-making, tea ceremony, optional kimono dressing (40 mins)
15:30 - Pre-selected A) Zazen meditation or B) shabutsu (tracing an image of Buddha) at a temple, with options for more temple experiences
17:00 - End of activities
17:50 - Drop-off at Gifu Station or hotel within Gifu City
* This itinerary is an example
- Important Information
-
・Kimono rentals available for the traditional Japanese sweets-making activity and tea ceremony with the following - Men: heights up to 185cm, Women: heights up to 165cm.
You will change out of your kimono before visiting Seki Zenko-ji Temple. Please inquire for heights above ones listed.
・Unadon (eel rice bowl) is served for lunch. Please notify us at the time of booking if you require vegan options.
- 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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