Forge a Ninja Weapon in Kyoto: Authentic Blacksmith Class

Heat steel to 800°C and hammer your own ninja weapon from scratch

Forge an authentic ninja weapon in Kyoto with a skilled blacksmith, choosing from three shuriken styles or a kunai. You'll heat the steel in a furnace, hammer the glowing metal, shape it with a belt sander, engrave a kanji character of your choice, and blacken the finished tool—a hands-on class that takes about two and a half hours and includes the traditional blacksmith uniform, all specialized tools, and a lesson on ninja history and techniques.

The Experience

The experience starts in a working blacksmith studio in Kyoto where you change into samue, the traditional uniform worn by craftsmen, and wrap a tenugui around your head. This isn't a museum or a demonstration—you're stepping into the role of someone who actually makes these tools. You'll choose your weapon first: three different shuriken styles, each with its own shape and balance, or a kunai, the multipurpose tool ninja carried. The choice matters because the forging process changes slightly depending on what you're making.

Then the forging begins. Your weapon goes into an 800°C furnace until the steel glows, and you pull it out and hammer it on an anvil while sparks fly around you. This is the core of the class—the moment the raw metal starts becoming a real tool under your own hands. A skilled craftsman guides you through the strikes and angles, making sure the shape develops correctly. Once the basic form is set, you move to a professional belt sander to refine the blade and sharpen the edges, transforming the rough forged piece into something that actually looks like a weapon.

The final steps are where your weapon becomes yours. You choose a kanji character and the staff engraves it with precision into the metal. Then comes the blackening—a special solution that protects the steel and gives it the dark, authentic finish of a real ninja tool. A final polish brings out the shine, and you walk out with a handcrafted weapon you forged yourself, packed in a clean box to take home. Along the way, you'll learn the history behind these tools and the techniques that made them legendary in ninja tradition.

What’s included

• The experience includes the traditional blacksmith uniform (samue) and head wrap (tenugui).
• all specialized forging tools such as hammers and files for shaping steel.
• use of the professional belt sander to refine the blade.
• kanji engraving by skilled staff to personalize your weapon.
• a protective blackening solution and final polish.
• a lesson on ninja history, weapons, and techniques.
• and a clean box and bag to carry your finished weapon home.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Atelier NIN

Is this one for you?The forging itself is physically active—you're swinging a hammer, standing at the furnace, and using the belt sander for sustained periods—so moderate fitness helps you stay comfortable through the two and a half hours. If you prefer to watch rather than do the work yourself, this isn't the right class; the whole point is that you're the one heating, hammering, and shaping the steel.

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Top questions

What ninja weapons can I actually forge during this class?

You choose from three shuriken styles or one kunai. Each has its own unique shape and balance, and the forging process adapts slightly depending on which one you pick. The staff will guide you through the differences as you decide.

Do I need blacksmithing experience to do this?

No. A skilled craftsman guides you through every step, from heating the steel to the final polish. The class is built for first-timers—you'll learn proper hammer technique and how to read the metal as it changes color in the furnace.

What happens after I forge the weapon—can I really take it home?

Yes. After forging, shaping, engraving your kanji, and blackening the steel, your finished weapon goes into a clean box and bag so you can carry it with you. It's a real, functional tool you made yourself.

How long does the whole experience take?

The class runs about two and a half hours from start to finish, including the time to change into the blacksmith uniform, forge and shape the weapon, engrave it, apply the blackening solution, and polish it to completion.

What's included in the price?

The experience includes the traditional samue uniform and tenugui headwrap, all specialized forging tools like hammers and files, the belt sander for shaping, kanji engraving by the staff, and a lesson on ninja history and the techniques behind these weapons.

Is there a minimum age for this class?

Children are welcome from age 11. The class involves heat, hammers, and sharp tools, so younger children aren't able to participate safely, but anyone 11 and older can forge their own weapon under guidance.