Tokyo Asakusa: Japanese Knife Making Workshop & Custom Engraving

Summary

Crafting a Japanese knife in Tokyo with real guidance and laughter

You’ll step right into a working Tokyo knife studio, donning a haori and sipping tea as you learn from local masters. Shape and sharpen your own blade, then engrave your name in Japanese before finishing with a custom handle. Expect laughter over small mistakes and leave with a handcrafted knife — plus stories you’ll remember every time you use it.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when I walked into the workshop in Asakusa — just that I’d always wanted to try making something with my hands in Japan. The place smelled faintly of steel and wood shavings, with this low hum of voices from other tables. They handed me a light haori to put over my clothes (I still managed to get a smudge on my jeans, but whatever), and our guide poured me some cold tea while explaining why Japanese knives are so prized. He switched between English and Japanese, pausing sometimes for a joke or to make sure we understood. There was this moment where he showed us how to hold the blade properly — his hands moved so smoothly it looked easy, but mine felt awkward at first.

You get to pick your blade style — I went for the smaller one because honestly, the bigger ones looked intimidating. Sharpening was surprisingly meditative; you sort of lose track of time as you focus on the sound of metal on stone. Our guide would come by, gently correcting my grip or angle (“a little more like this,” he’d say, moving my wrist). At one point, another guest tried engraving their name in kanji and everyone laughed when they accidentally wrote it upside down. I almost did the same — Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin (probably butchered it). There’s something about sharing these tiny mistakes that makes the whole thing feel warmer.

The last step is attaching your custom magnolia handle with a traditional hammer. The tap-tap-tap echoed through the room while someone’s phone played quiet jazz nearby. It felt weirdly satisfying holding the finished knife — heavier than I thought, but kind of beautiful in its own way. They let us snack on some little rice crackers before we left; I still think about that view out the window over Asakusa’s rooftops as we packed up our new creations. You walk out with your own knife (and maybe a few fingerprints on your haori) — not perfect, but definitely yours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Craft and personalize Japanese knife

• Put on haori jacket
• Enjoy tea or juice
• Learn history of Japanese knives
• Choose blade type and size
• Sharpen the blade carefully
• Engrave name in Japanese
• Attach handle with hammer

Top questions

Is this Japanese knife making class suitable for beginners?

Yes, all skill levels are welcome and guides offer step-by-step help throughout.

Can I choose different types of knives during the workshop?

Yes, you can select from up to five types of blades (some may have an extra charge).

Are drinks or snacks included during the activity?

Yes, tea, juice and snacks like rice crackers are provided during your session.

Is there an English-speaking guide at the Tokyo workshop?

Yes, several English-speaking crew members are available to assist and chat.

Can friends or family watch without participating?

Yes, observers are welcome for an observation fee paid on site.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both public transport options and the workshop itself are wheelchair accessible.

Do I keep the knife I make during this class?

Yes, you take home your finished handmade Japanese knife at the end.

What’s included

Your experience covers all workshop fees and taxes, use of a protective haori jacket during crafting, personalized guidance from local experts in both English and Japanese, custom magnolia wood handle attachment using traditional methods, complimentary drinks and snacks at your table—plus you’ll leave with your own handcrafted Japanese knife as a keepsake.