Seki, in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is a treasure trove for those interested in craftsmanship, history, and authentic Japanese culture. What makes Seki stand out is its renowned blade-making tradition, which has been passed down through centuries. Whether you’re into making your own knife, exploring samurai swords, or stepping into the ninja world, Seki offers a variety of tours that deepen your understanding of Japan’s iconic weapons and craftsmanship. We’re especially fond of the Samurai Knife Making Experience at the Knife Museum because it combines hands-on participation with cultural storytelling—plus, you get to take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
For a more cultural and historical perspective, the Seki: Samurai Sword Legacy and Japanese Blade Craft tour provides a comprehensive look at the entire process of sword-making while exploring local museums. And if you’re after a mix of history, scenery, and some fun, the From Nagoya: Samurai Swords & Inuyama Castle tour beautifully combines a visit to Japan’s oldest castle with a lesson in sword craftsmanship. For those interested in trying something active, the ninja-focused tour from Nagoya offers a rare peek into the secretive ninja world, complete with shuriken-throwing and shrine visits.
Below is a quick overview of each experience, with links to learn more:
- Making your own samurai knife with a craftsman at the Knife Museum []
- Exploring Inuyama Castle and learning about sword techniques on a full-day trip from Nagoya []
- Factory tour at Mitsuboshi Cutlery to see how premium kitchen knives are crafted []
- Ninja and Tokaido Road adventure with historical sights and ninja skills []
- Outdoor knife-making workshop with a renowned designer []
- Comprehensive sword and blade tour featuring museums and craftsmanship []
- 1. Seki: Samurai Knife Making Experience at the Knife Museum
- 2. From Nagoya: Samurai Swords & Inuyama Castle
- 3. Seki, Gifu: Mitsuboshi Cutlery Kitchen Knife Factory Tour
- 4. From Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road
- 5. Seki: Outdoor Knife Making Workshop
- 6. Seki: Samurai Sword Legacy and Japanese Blade Craft
- How to Choose the Right Tour in Seki
- Final Thoughts
1. Seki: Samurai Knife Making Experience at the Knife Museum
This experience is a rare chance to make your own Samurai-style kitchen knife alongside skilled artisans in Japan’s famous Honshu region. The [] tour is highly rated, with perfect scores from 39 reviews, and costs about $323 per person. You’ll learn about the history of Seki’s knife-making traditions and get hands-on as you craft your own blade.
What makes this tour stand out is that you can only make one Samurai kitchen knife in the world, making it a truly unique souvenir. After forging your knife, you get to test its performance by slicing fresh vegetables, which offers a practical feel for the craftsmanship involved. The experience includes visits to the Knife Museum, where you’ll see an impressive collection of blades, and the Blacksmith Museum, to learn the history of Samurai swords and Japanese blades.
The day wraps up with a traditional Japanese lunch—an authentic meal that completes the culture. This tour is perfect for those who want a hands-on, memorable experience and are interested in Japanese sword and knife history. Given the detailed craftsmanship involved, it’s best suited for travelers who appreciate quality and tradition.
Bottom Line: If you want to create a meaningful keepsake and learn about Japan’s blade-making legacy, this experience offers both skill and story in one package.
2. From Nagoya: Samurai Swords & Inuyama Castle
For about $163, this full-day tour from Nagoya offers a deep dive into Japan’s samurai history and architecture. Starting from Nagoya Station, you’ll visit Inuyama Castle, one of only five in Japan designated as a National Treasure. The castle’s history dates back to the 16th century, and exploring its well-preserved structure is like stepping into a samurai film.
The tour doesn’t stop at the castle; you’ll also visit a teahouse to experience the art of the tea ceremony with matcha and traditional sweets. An essential part of this experience is learning about sword craftsmanship, which is intertwined with Japan’s martial traditions. You’ll get to test your skills in sharpening a Japanese kitchen knife, providing a tactile connection to the craftsmanship behind these blades.
What’s special about this tour is its balance of history, craftsmanship, and cultural traditions. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive look at Japan’s feudal era, especially those interested in samurai culture, architectural marvels, and tea culture. With a mix of sightseeing and interactive activities, it offers quality value for its price.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for history buffs and those who want to combine cultural exploration with a hands-on knife sharpening experience.
3. Seki, Gifu: Mitsuboshi Cutlery Kitchen Knife Factory Tour
This 40-minute factory tour is a streamlined peek into Seki’s reputation as one of the world’s top cutlery centers. Conducted at Mitsuboshi Cutlery, you’ll witness skilled craftsmen creating premium kitchen knives with precision and care. What sets this tour apart is that visitors aren’t just observing behind glass; you’re right there with the artisans, seeing every step of the process.
You’ll have the opportunity to hold both samples and finished products, giving a real sense of the craftsmanship involved. Plus, you can snap photos with a giant handcrafted knife—a fun souvenir to share on social media. Although brief, this tour offers a granular look at blade creation, making it suitable for travelers interested in artisan techniques and Japanese cutlery.
The highlight is the detailed process, and it’s a great way to understand why Seki knives are world-famous. This is best for those who want a quick but authentic peek at knife-making or are considering buying a high-quality Japanese knife.
Bottom Line: A compact, informative experience for those curious about craftsmanship, with a focus on quality and detail.
4. From Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road
This full-day tour at about $206 combines historical intrigue and adventure. Starting from Nagoya, you’ll explore the secretive world of Koka Ninja at an authentic ninja house, where you’ll learn about their clandestine techniques and role in Japanese history. The tour continues along the Tokaido Road, a vital route during Edo times, with a stop in Seki Juku, a post town that was crucial for travelers and traders.
What makes this tour unique is the mix of ninja lore, where you can throw shuriken (ninja stars), and scenic visits to remote mountain shrines featured in movies. It provides a rare opportunity to test your ninja skills in a fun, interactive way. The tour also includes visits to Aburahi Shrine, adding a spiritual dimension to the adventure.
Ideal for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone interested in Japan’s ninja legends, this trip offers a rich blend of storytelling, physical activity, and sightseeing. The itinerary covers multiple locations, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a full, active day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those curious about ninja mythology and Edo-era travel, with enough hands-on fun to keep everyone engaged.
5. Seki: Outdoor Knife Making Workshop
This 2.5-hour workshop offers a more personal, hands-on approach to the art of blade crafting. Guided by Seiichi Nakamura, a renowned knife designer, participants assemble and finish their own outdoor knife. The focus is on discontinued collector’s items, giving you a chance to create a unique piece that pays homage to classic designs.
The highlight is learning professional blade sharpening techniques and working directly with a master craftsman. You’ll gain practical skills that you can apply to future projects, making this a worthwhile experience for DIY enthusiasts or those interested in knife maintenance. The workshop is intimate, allowing for personalized guidance, and ends with a finished product you’re proud of.
While the price isn’t listed, the value lies in direct interaction with a recognized designer and a chance to craft a high-quality outdoor knife. Suitable for those who want to actively participate and leave with a custom-made item.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for craft lovers and outdoor enthusiasts wanting a practical, memorable experience with a professional.
6. Seki: Samurai Sword Legacy and Japanese Blade Craft
This 2.5-hour guided tour offers a deep dive into Seki’s sword-making culture. Starting at the Seki Swordsmith Museum, you’ll learn about the traditional forging process, examining blades that span centuries. The tour continues through the Feather Razor Museum and Gifu Cutlery Hall, where you’ll see a wide selection of Seki-made blades and gain insights into how craftsmanship, environment, and history shape this community.
What makes this tour particularly special is the comprehensive approach, combining historical context with contemporary craftsmanship. The guide provides tips on choosing quality blades and shares stories behind the tools that have defined Japan’s cutting-edge reputation. For those interested in collecting or understanding blade evolution, this is a rich, educational experience.
This tour is perfect for blade enthusiasts, collectors, and curious travelers wanting a broad understanding of Seki’s blade legacy. It’s an ideal introduction before making a purchase or simply appreciating Japan’s craftsmanship.
Bottom Line: If your interest lies in blade history and craftsmanship, this tour delivers an in-depth look in a manageable time frame.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Seki
When deciding among these options, think about your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you want a hands-on, personalized experience, the Outdoor Knife Making Workshop or the Samurai Knife Making are excellent. For a full-day culture with history and scenery, the Inuyama Castle and Samurai Swords tour offers a perfect itinerary.
If you’re fascinated by ninja legends, the Myths and Mystery of Ninja provides a lively, active day of storytelling and skills. For blade enthusiasts wanting a rundown, the Sword Legacy and Blade Craft tour covers a lot of ground in just a few hours.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot in these popular experiences. Also, consider combining shorter tours for a full day of exploration, or spreading out your visits during a longer stay.
Final Thoughts
Seki offers a fascinating mix of craftsmanship, history, and culture, with options tailored to different interests and activity levels. For a hands-on experience, making your own knife or outdoor blade is unmatched. For history lovers, exploring Inuyama Castle and sword museums provides a richly detailed picture of Japan’s blade legacy. And for those curious about ninja stories, the ninja adventure brings a splash of excitement.
No matter which tour you choose, Seki’s artisan spirit and heritage are sure to leave a lasting impression. Booking ahead is wise, so you don’t miss these authentic experiences. With such diverse options, your trip to Seki can be as culturally rich or actively hands-on as you desire.