Sword-Making Process Demonstration and Lecture by One of Japan’s Few Remaining Swordsmiths

Master Swordsmith Norizane Miyagi provides a 1.5–2 hour program. Watch forging demonstrations (sunobe, yakiire) and try sunobe hammering. Enjoy a private viewing and lecture on Japanese sword history at his residence. The technique is a Shiroishi Intangible Cultural Property. An engraved knife is included as a memento.

Details

Plan Price: ¥69,300 per person

What’s Included

Demonstration viewing fee
Sunobe hammering experience and instruction fee
Handling fee

Not Included

Transportation expenses*
Accident insurance
Personal expenses (beverages, etc.)

*Miyagi-san’s residence is located about 10 minutes by car from the sword forge. We ask that you arrange your own private vehicle transportation between these two locations. In the event you would like the provider to arrange transportation for you, please be sure to discuss this with them before proceeding with your reservation.

Set Dates

January through May*, October through December*

*Please inquire at time of booking regarding specific dates and hours

Excluded Date: June through September and the New Year’s holiday period

Time Length: 1.5 to 2 hours

Meeting Place&Time

[Meeting Place]
Sword workshop (138-1 Otakasawa Misawa Utozaka, Shiroishi City, Miyagi, Japan 989-0213)

[Meeting Time]
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your desired start time

Map

Min. # of Participation: 1 person

Max. # of Participants: Up to 10 people at a time

Supoported Languages: Japanese*
*In the event English support is required, please come accompanied by an interpreter.

Plan Details: Swordsmith Norizane Miyagi has been making swords for 45 years, continuing to refine his skills even to this day. At his forge, receive a demonstration and explanation of the steps involved in sword making. There, visitors will also have the opportunity to try their hand at the sunobe step of the swordmaking process. Afterwards, visit Norizane Miyagi’s own residence for a private viewing of his personal collection of real Japanese swords as you enjoy his lecture on their history and function.
Thanks to the efforts of Norizane Miyagi in preserving these swordmaking methods which are an esteemed part of Shiroishi’s history and cultural heritage, these swordmaking techniques were designated an Intangible Cultural Property (Traditional Craft) of Shiroishi in July 2025.

Course Details

At the sword forge, receive an explanation and demonstration of the following steps of the swordmaking process: sunobe hammering, hizukuri forging, tsuchioki (tsuchitori) clay coating and removal, and yakiire heating-quenching.*

*Because the yakiire step takes time, the coating of the blade with the yakibazuchi clay will be done in advance by the swordsmith, which shortens the process time by about 10 minutes.

Visitors try the sunobe hammering step of the sword making process for themselves

Travel from workshop to swordsmith’s home to receive a private viewing of real Japanese swords and a talk on their history and function, design, etc. in order to come to deeply appreciate Japanese swords as works of art.

•As a memento of the experience, visitors each receive a small knife with their name engraved on the blade (Reservation required 1 month in advance).

Necessary When making a reservation

Desired date
Desired time
Number of participants
Representative’s name
Representative’s contact information

Other(Notes)

– Because the sunobe hammering experience involves the use of heated materials, please use caution. Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver.

– Because there is no restroom at the swordsmith’s forge, it will be necessary to relieve yourself before arriving for the tour and experience.

– For the talk on the design, function, etc. of swords, visitors will need to transfer to a location (1-61 Ohata, Shiroishi City) about 10 minutes away from the forge by private vehicle.

– In the event you would like the tour provider to arrange a taxi, etc. on your behalf, please be sure to inquire in advance regarding that request.

– Please be aware that clothing may get dirty during this tour, so please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.

Cancellation Policy

From date reservation is made to 8 days prior to experience date: 10%

4–7 days prior to experience date: 25%

3 to 2 days prior to experience date: 50%

Day prior, day of, or no show: 100%

Closing Date: 10 days prior to desired date

Operating Company

All Japan Swordsmith Association Hokkaido Tohoku Branch Director and Swordsmith Norizane Miyagi

Tel: +81-224-26-3823

Mobile: +81-90-6256-1327

Inquiries

Public Interest Incorporated Association Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Federation Miyagi Prefectural Office floor 14, 3-8-1, Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi, Japan 980-8570

Tel: +81-22-221-1864　Fax: +81-22-211-2829
Email: dmo@miyagi-kankou.or.jp
Business Days: Monday to Friday
Business Hours: 8:30 am – 5:15 pm (JST)