Blades of Honor: Japanese Sword Factory Tour and Iaido in Seki with the Way of the Samurai
Tap into the mind, spirit, and tradition of the samurai through an essential part of their identity as fearsome warriors - the prized Japanese sword. And what better place to do this than at Seki, the City of Blades, where their swords were known to "never bend, never break, and cut well". Start with a tour of the factory, one of Japan's rare manufacturers of iaito (practice swords) and authentic Japanese swords with 60 years of trustworthy expertise, before moving on to the exhibition room where you will be shown the different ways to appreciate Japanese swords, as well as insight into the methods of sword production. You can also purchase swords of your liking. After that, it’s time to move to the dojo to put on your iaigi and a hakama for a change of pace! Take on the way of the samurai hands-on, by learning the basic kata (forms) for iaido, such as battou (sword-drawing), kiritsuke (cutting or slashing), and noto (sword sheathing), using a replica sword. Carve out your own path, the samurai way.
Recommended points
● Seki City is one of the world’s three most well-known and highly regarded blade-producing areas with a proud history and tradition of blade-making that dates back over 700 years, flourishing from its roots of sword-crafting, which helped to firmly establish the samurai culture. The master craftsmen here put to use Japanese skills and techniques tried and tested by time to create swords of exceptional quality by hand.
● Experience all you can about the mind, spirit, and tradition of the samurai through your time spent here, one of the few distinguished manufacturers in Japan specializing in iaido swords with about 60 years of reliable experience.
● Learn the fundamental techniques of Iaido (from the starting bow, to gripping and swinging the sword, to the final bow) established by the Kendo Federation under the guidance of a trainer, who has a 8th Dan rank. After some practice, you will do a demonstration of the techniques learnt. The trainer will then follow up with his iaido demonstration.
Overview
- Season
- 2025/12/1～2027/3/31 (Excluding weekends, public holidays, year-end and New Year’s holidays)
- Activity Time
- 3 hours
- Place
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※ Please contact us for further details.
Sannodori, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. 501-3252
- Number of Participants
- 2 to 4 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
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
- Ending Point
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
- Meeting Time
- 14:00
- Schedule
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13:15 - (Optional transportation) Pickup from Gifu Station or hotels within Gifu city
14:00 - Tour of iaito (practice sword) and authentic Japanese sword factory, sword appreciation activity tour
15:00 - Walk to the Dojo, change clothes, start iaido session
16:30 - Change clothes, receive certificate of completion
17:45 - (Optional transportation) Dropoff at Gifu Station or hotels within Gifu city
* This itinerary is an example
- Important Information
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・The iaido activities featured focus on the kata (form, movement), as opposed to cutting items.
・Swords may be purchased. However, please note that genuine katanas will take about a month to be shipped after purchase as they require a necessary procedure of declarations to Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs. In addition, depending on the country, replica swords may also be prohibited from entry.
・Participants shorter than 140cm cannot participate in the iaido as we do not have iaigi available for those heights.
・Participants over 190cm will be given iaido instruction outdoors to prevent swords from hitting the dojo ceiling.
- Contact Information
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Discover GIFU
Phone number: +81-(0)58-265-4831 (weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Email address: customer@gifu-tj.jp
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