Samurai Philosophy — Metal Carving Mini Tsuba Engraving for a Japanese Sword｜Activities｜VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN

Samurai Philosophy — Metal Carving Mini Tsuba Engraving for a Japanese Sword

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Carve your own miniature tsuba, the hand guard of a samurai sword, side by side with a master metalworker in Kanazawa.

■Watch the Master, Then Carve Your Own

Chokin is the art of metal carving, a craft that developed to create tosogu — the decorative fittings of the Japanese sword. The sword was the soul of the samurai, and its fittings carry wishes and a refined sense of beauty. The tsuba, the guard that protects the hand, is the finest example of all.

First, metal craftsman Toru Nishiyama explains the function and beauty of the tsuba and the metalwork techniques behind it. Then watch his demonstration: carving metal by hand with a tagane chisel, delicate yet powerful.

Then it is your turn. Carve a design into a small "mame-tsuba" (mini tsuba), polish it to a finish, and fit the hardware — your creation goes home with you as a keychain.

Nishiyama studied metalwork at Kanazawa College of Art, researches traditional chokin techniques and craftsmen's tools, and is also skilled in zogan inlay. He runs a metal carving studio and classes in Kodatsuno, Kanazawa.

【Please note】Guests aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A flat rate applies to all participants. Please wear long pants and socks.

Child-friendly

The Ｗay of the Samurai

Information

Organizer: LLC kanazawaza
See All Plans Run by this Travel Operator
Price: 35,000 JPY for 1 guest / 44,000 JPY for 2 guests (+22,000 JPY per additional guest)
Inclusions: mini tsuba materials, tool rental, interpreter guide
Date: Open All Year
Time: 10:00-17:00
Duration: approx. 2 hours (start between 10:00 and 17:00)
Location: Kodatsuno, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa
(We will inform you of the details once your reservation is confirmed.）
Departure Point: 3-3-4Kodatsuno Kanazawa City Ishikawa
By Car: 16-minute drive / 4.5km from Kanazawa Station
By Public Transportation: Get off at Tentokuin-mae bus stop (Hokutetsu Bus) and walk for 2 minutes.
Parking: なし
Capacity: ４
Minimum Participants: 1
Reservation: Up to 1 day before
Cancellation: 15+ days before — 5,000 JPY fee only / 14–7 days before — 50% / 6 days to the day — 100%
Website: More versions available here