Date City Museum of History and Culture’s Swordsmith Workshop
Witness traditional Japanese sword forging guided by Master Swordsmith Korehira Watanabe
This workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a master swordsmith and experience the centuries-old forging techniques behind the Japanese sword (Nihonto).
Date City in Hokkaido has deep roots in samurai culture. At the Hands-on Learning Hall, Master Swordsmith Korehira Watanabe, who has been crafting Japanese swords for more than 40 years, explains the history and techniques of traditional sword making. The glowing forge and the clear ring of the hammer create an atmosphere that appeals to both sight and sound, providing a truly immersive glimpse into the forging process. Through the displays of each step, you can understand how the Japanese sword—once a vital weapon for the samurai and a symbol of their spirit—was created with remarkable precision.
The traditional techniques refined through Japan’s samurai culture continue to fascinate people today as works of art. Standing in the workshop, you can feel the heat of the fire and the scent of iron drifting through the air, experiencing the essence of Japanese craftsmanship firsthand. Please note that demonstrations by Master Watanabe are available only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and require advance reservations. We recommend contacting the museum at least two weeks before your preferred date.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒052-0022
- Address
- 北海道伊達市梅本町57-1
- Telephone Number
- 0142-25-1056
- Open
- 9:00-17:00
- Closed
- Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, the first weekday after the holiday), Temporary closing
- Car Park
- 166 spaces, free
- Directions
- ●By car: About 5 minutes from Hokkaido Expwy Date IC
●By car: About 6 minutes from JR Date Monbetsu Station - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
