Takumi・Zen・Samurai​ Unbound: Traditional Japanese Swordforging, Zazen meditation and Iai swordsmanship

Step into the daring domain of the Japan’s historical warriors, with detailed explanations and demonstrations of swordmaking by master bladesmiths, 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 about the correct way to wield a katana as the final blow is struck. Unleash the fighter in you.​

From AUD $2.029

Highlights

  • 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 Fujiwara 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 activities offered through this very special course.​

  • Duration

    5 hours

  • Offered in

    English

What is included

  • Traditional Japanese swordsmithing and hammering activity

  • Zazen meditation

  • Iai observation with hands-on activity and instruction

  • Rental traditional costumes

  • Guide interpreter

  • Pickup and dropoff to and from Gifu Station.​

ITINERARY

Meeting / Pickup Point

Gifu Station or Gifu City hotel

Start time

09:00:00

End point

Gifu Station or Gifu City hotel

What To Expect

Get ready for an exclusive journey into the heart of samurai culture, where you'll do more than just observe—you'll participate. At the Cutler SANSYU / Seki Hamono Museum, you'll witness a traditional swordsmithing demonstration and, under the expert guidance of a 25th-generation bladesmith, even get to hammer a real katana, just as the Fujiwara family has done for the Tokugawa family for generations. Then, find your inner peace with a session of Zazen meditation at the historic Ryutaiji Temple, a place that's stood since 1407. The tranquility quickly gives way to excitement as you watch a dynamic and unforgettable iai display, where a real katana is wielded with powerful, swift movements. This unique course combines the theoretical and practical aspects of both Japanese craftsmanship and the samurai spirit, offering a profound and rare experience that goes far beyond a typical tour.

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 at Ryutaiji Temple
・14:00・16:30 - Drop off at Gifu Station or at hotel in Gifu City

*This itinerary is an example























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    • 2025/4/1～2026/3/31 (Excluding year-end and New ​Year's Holidays (2025/12/30～2026/1/3))

    • Another start time 11:30

    • Number of Participants 2 to 5 people

    • Please wear clothes you can easily move in, and that you don't mind getting dirtied. Hakama available for borrowing.​

    • Signing a consent form is required for handling swords. ​

    • Individuals under 17 years of age may only observe. Minimum of two adults in a group.

    • Discover GIFU