Legendary knife crafting at Wada Shouten – with personalization

Was an absolutely awesome experience.

R.T. Australia

Everything was a great experience overall. Very interesting and interactive involving the knife making process.

J.C. United States

Todays experience was incredible. Everything from start to finish exceeded our (already high!) expectations. The interpreter and the staff at Wada Shouten made today such a memorable experience. We could not be happier with the quality of our knives, and we can’t wait to come back.

K.N. Canada

We, as a family, loved it. We learned about the history of knife making, the different types and the history behind the city that specializes in it. The interpretation was on point. And by the end, we became friends with everyone we encountered throughout.

F.V. United States

It was an unforgettable experience. We loved learning directly from the experienced craftsmen. They were so kind and patient, it was a privilege to learn from them. The interpreter did a great job too.

V.S. United Kingdom

Everything from beginning to end was excellent! Mr. Wada’s enthusiasm for his craft and patience as they taught us a new skill was great. We felt honored to learn from these master craftsmen and being able to take home our personalized knives. This was definitely one of our favorite experiences in Japan.

S.U. United States

We really enjoyed the whole experience! It was great to learn about the history and techniques behind these special chef knives, and of course the highlight is having the chance to contribute to making our own customized knives to bring home!

K.S. Australia

My family had a great time viewing sumo for the first time. Sumo is very unique so it was unlike anything we had really seen before. It seemed like the practice went pretty smoothly and we loved getting to take photos with and ask questions to the rikishi afterwards.

J.K. United States

Everything went smoothly, and I really enjoyed every moment I spent during the experience. I enjoyed the 1:1 interaction with the sensei, the level of explanation, and the end result.

L.V. Romania

The entire experience was INCREDIBLE! I planned this tour especially for my dad's birthday and his love for Japanese craftsmanship. It was also very near and dear to our heart because my great-grandfather was a blacksmith in Kobe, Japan. Our interpreter did a WONDERFUL job of translating/interpreting things so well. She was kind, caring, and so welcoming. The shop owners went out of their way to hand-deliver knives that we had additionally order to our hotel! Everyone throughout this entire experience went above and beyond to make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us.

B.S. United States

Everything involved in making a quality Japanese knife was explained in detail in a very professional manner. Our teachers were very thorough, helpful and hands on in helping us with knife sharpening and handle attachment.

V.P. Australia

The experience was very enjoyable and informative. I loved learning about the art of making knives and the rich history behind it. Both the shop staff and our interpreter were amazing and kind.

P.A. Canada

This was a really great experience, it exceeded all expectations we had and felt like a great value. All of the instructors and the interpreter were very welcoming and helpful.

D.F. United States

This experience exceeded our expectations. Everybody was very nice and helpful. It was very fun and intriguing to see the whole process.

B.C. United States

I liked the overall experience. I enjoyed learning more about how Japanese knives are made and how many different kinds there are.

R.B. United States

It was fantastic to see the overview of the whole knife making process with all the different knives and their uses. Once we were at the workshop it was interesting to be taught how to properly sharpen a single sided and double sided knife ( easy even for a first time sharpener as myself) they were patient and thorough. We were taken through the entire process of putting the knife together and seeing that it is straight and fits into the handle and then actually doing it. We went away in awe.

C.K. South Africa

We both had a great time and enjoyed the entire experience. And I really appreciated our guide she was very kind and helpful.

R.A. United States

We had an incredible experience and memories we will remember forever. Incredible and amazing to actually be able to make our own knives knowing that we did some of the work on it is so special.

L.A. Australia

LEGENDARY AND MEMORABLE!!

V.G. United States

We had an excellent experience overall. Learned about how many artisans contribute to making a single knife in Sakai. Learned from master artisans how to sharpen a blade properly, assembling our own knife putting the handle on. Really good translation and service from start to finish by our guide. Thank you so much.

J.K. United States

The experience was phenomenal and the duration was good. I learned the amazing family tradition of knife making. It showed me that the culture is so important and past down through generations. It gave me a glimpse of of why their knives are truly the best. This experience is not a “large group” event. It is an almost “one-on-one” learning and hands-on occurrence. The shop is very true to their history. The customer service was top notch and the interpretation service was perfect and personal to us.

C.K. United States

I think everything was perfect also very nice that we had a English translated for everything. I didn’t know that there were other people involved in making 1 knife. I would recommend I think this is a most do when you visit in Japan.

J.L. Netherlands

Our guide really made the whole thing exceptionally easy. Not only did she give us interesting information about the knife making process, but also info about the area and its historical significance. She went above and beyond to ensure we were looked after, even helping us find the right train connection after wards. She deserves a big raise because of how kind and patient she was. It was a welcoming and informative session.

S.L. Canada

There isn't anything I could fault. I am truly grateful for the experience and the time taken to be a part of it. The Museum was fantastic and the instruction given during the experience was excellent and clearly translated. I knew briefly the skill of the craftsmen in Japan and the experience added to my understanding of the processes and increased my knowledge and understanding of the art.

R.N. New Zealand

I felt like the hands-on part of the experiment was very cool. The interpreter was very friendly and helpful.

B.S. United States

Loved the ability to connect with local craftsman and experts who could explain the cultural significance of their work and traditions. This workshop was a hands-on class teaching skills of knife sharpening and putting handles on knives while learning about the cultural traditions of knife making in Japan and getting to go home with custom, beautifully made knives. Using the knives at home is infinitely better than any of the other knives we own.

J. O.

The experience was very good. It showed subtle incredible value of craftsmanship and quality.

A.K. Germany

Everything was top notch. Truly get moneys worth out of the experience. First, we did not expect to be so involved in the knife making process. It was most memorable attaching the knife handle. Despite having reservations about putting it on, the people were very supportive and encouraging! We learned that there is so much more to know about Japan culture, and that one can’t truly appreciate it until they have it explained by a local, or experience even a part of it for themselves. Everything was very well planned out and seamless. So much fun and lots of memory making moments!

M.E. Canada

Do it. Everything was memorable, since the moment we arrive until the end.

D.F. Switzerland

We believe the workshop could have been a bit longer but overall we are still very happy with the workshop and the knives we got. Our interperer made sure we were all comfortable and went the extra mile to provide recommendations and answer according to our preferences. we already had a pretty good idea about the quality of japanese blacksmithing but the workshop and information provided by the experts elevated our understanding to another level. Now we can appreciate Japanese Knives on a deeper level very good experience, from booking to interpretation to presentation, everything worked out perfectly for us.

C.D. Austria

Great experience. We learned proper sharpening technique.

N.N. Japan

It was an excellent and highly memorable experience. We really enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the history of the knife industry in Sakai in the museum. It provided a lot of context to the industry alongside practical skills.

J.C. United States

Everything was incredible and I’m very satisfied with the overall experience. This experienced further enhanced my admiration and respect for Japan and their culture and craft. I would describe the experience as a once in a lifetime experience that they just try while they are in Japan!

S.M. United States

It was a fantastic experience, the translator and staff at Wada-shoten were amazing! It was great have a private expert with a great translator, it made the difference in our experience. A fun way to learn more about the history of knife making and a hands on experience on how to craft a Japanese knife.

A.A. United States

This was a highlight of our trip because it wasn't a tourist attraction and we weren't in a group of people. It was private and personal, and such an amazing experience. The knife class itself was very fulfilling. We chose this class in this location because my grandmother's maiden name is Sakai and her family is from Osaka. It was the best choice. Having an interpreter was invaluable. Not only was she an excellent translator, but she kindly guided us to the train. Don't miss out on this cultural experience!

S.M. United States

Was really cool to see the craftsmen show their trade and teach how we could care for the knives afterwards. It was a chance to get to learn some aspects of Sakai knife making and see it first-hand in a private setting. The translator did a great job.

M.F. United States

Absolutely amazed by its culture and great quality products. As an amazing local, vibrant and cultural experience.

T.N. Mexico

A must to do experience that you cannot miss. Everything was perfect! In general all the experience has been amazing. The people are so kind, the story of knife forging so interesting and the activity of making your own knife so beautiful. Understanding all the generational story of knife forging is a must if you want to better understood the japan history.

A.P. Italy

We loved everything about it! It was very professional with thoughtful details, like the aprons, that made the experience feel extra special. The artisans' patience and kindness and passion were wonderful. We loved seeing how much pride goes into their craft and learning about knife culture. Totally worthwhile! I’ve already told a few friends they need to do a wabunka experience and my kids and I were looking at the catalog deciding which one we should do next time we’re in Japan!

R.G. United States