Metal Shuriken Casting in Kyoto: Make Your Own Ninja Weapon

Pour molten metal and walk out with a shuriken you cast with your own hands

Cast a metal shuriken in a real ninja house in Arashiyama, Kyoto, learning the traditional casting process step by step. You design the shape, prepare the mold, pour the molten metal, polish the finish, and engrave your initials—then take home the one-of-a-kind weapon you made. Staff guide you through each stage, and the workshop runs about an hour. English and Japanese guides are available.

The Experience

Arashiyama Ninja House sits in the heart of Kyoto's bamboo district, and the workshop begins with a brief introduction to the hidden weapon culture of Japan's samurai and ninja era. You'll learn the basics of metal casting before stepping into the hands-on work. The staff walks you through the entire process: designing your shuriken's shape, preparing the mold, and getting ready for the moment most people come for—pouring the molten metal.

When it's time to pour, you watch solid metal melt into a bright, silvery liquid, then carefully pour it into the mold under staff guidance. The metal cools and hardens, and then the real work begins. Using specialized tools, you smooth and polish the surface until the final shape and shine emerge. Depending on which plan you select, you can create different sizes and styles of shuriken, and additional designs or kunai may be available on-site if you want to add another piece. Once you're satisfied with the finish, you can engrave your initials onto the metal—a detail that makes it truly yours.

You leave with a handcrafted metal shuriken that you cast, polished, and personalized yourself. It's a souvenir that carries the weight of the process and the skill you learned in a single afternoon.

What’s included

• Step-by-step guidance from staff through the entire casting process.
• introduction to the history of samurai and ninja-era weapon culture.
• all casting materials and workshop tools.
• your finished handcrafted metal shuriken to take home.
• option to engrave your initials on the metal.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Viyago

Is this one for you?Choose the plan that matches the shuriken size you want—the workshop guides you through the same casting steps either way, so the difference is the final piece you walk out with. If you want to try a second design or add a kunai, ask the staff on-site about what's available that day.

Traveler reviews

4.99★★★★★★★★★★

160 verified traveler reviews

5 ★158

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly do I make during the shuriken casting workshop?

You cast a metal shuriken from start to finish—preparing the mold, pouring molten metal into it, then polishing and smoothing the finished piece. You can also engrave your initials on the metal. The workshop offers different sizes and styles depending on which plan you choose, and other designs like kunai may be available to add on-site.

How long does the workshop take?

The workshop runs about an hour from start to finish, including the introduction to ninja and samurai weapon culture, the casting process, and polishing your completed shuriken.

Is this suitable if I've never done metalwork before?

Yes. The workshop is designed for all physical fitness levels, and staff guide you through every step. You don't need prior experience—the casting process is hands-on instruction from beginning to end.

What's included in the workshop?

The workshop includes step-by-step guidance from staff, an introduction to samurai and ninja-era weapon culture, all casting materials and tools, and you take home your finished shuriken. You can also add engraving of your initials on-site.

Can I choose between different shuriken designs?

Yes. The workshop offers different sizes and styles of shuriken depending on which plan you select at checkout. Additional shuriken designs and kunai may also be available on-site, subject to availability, if you want to create more than one piece.

What language is the instruction in?

Staff guides are available in English and Japanese, so you can choose the language that works best for you when you book.