Discover the living craftsmanship of Seki, one of Japan’s most celebrated blade-making cities, through a hands-on Damascus kitchen knife-making experience at G.SAKAI.
This tour is more than a simple workshop or sightseeing visit. It is a rare opportunity to create a beautiful and practical knife that you can actually use for many years, while learning about the spirit, precision, and tradition behind Japanese blade craftsmanship.
Guided by an experienced master craftsman with over 50 years of knife-making expertise, you will take part in the key finishing steps of making your own Damascus kitchen knife, including shaping, polishing, sharpening, and engraving your name on the blade. At the end of the experience, you will test the sharpness of your knife on fresh vegetables and feel the quality of a blade made in Seki.
You can choose your favourite knife style from four popular types: Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, and Bunka. Santoku is a versatile all-purpose knife, Gyuto is ideal for slicing meat and vegetables, Nakiri is designed for vegetable preparation, and Bunka is known for its distinctive shape and beautiful Japanese character. Choosing your own knife makes the experience more personal and enjoyable.
Seki City has been known as a centre of blade making since the Kamakura period, when high-quality materials and pure water made the area ideal for traditional forging. Today, Seki is respected worldwide for producing high-quality kitchen knives loved by professional chefs, home cooks, and collectors.
You can easily join this experience as a day trip, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by train from Kyoto. It is also accessible from Nagoya and other major travel destinations in central Japan, making it a meaningful addition to your journey.
During the tour, you will also enjoy a delicious Japanese lunch featuring local specialities at a well-known local restaurant. This adds another memorable highlight to your day and allows you to experience the warm hospitality and food culture of Gifu.
The Knife Museum is located inside part of G.SAKAI’s factory, giving you a close look at the world of Japanese knife craftsmanship. Depending on the day, the workshop may take place alongside other small groups, but each guest receives guided support throughout the process.
At the end of the experience, you will take home your own personalised Damascus kitchen knife, a certificate, and a meaningful memory from Japan. This tour is especially recommended for food lovers, chefs, culture seekers, design enthusiasts, and travellers looking for an authentic hands-on experience beyond ordinary sightseeing.
If you are looking for something truly personal, practical, and unforgettable, this experience will become one of the most special memories of your journey in Japan.
