Osaka

Private Sakai - Knife Artisan and Craft Walking Tour

Discover the ancient art of Japanese knife-making in Sakai City on a walking tour that includes local sweets, the Sakai City Craft Museum, and a visit to the Yamawaki Hamono Company, where you can watch blades transform into handmade cooking knives and learn traditional sharpening techniques.

Language

English

Location

Osaka

Rating

Duration

approx. 3hrs

Welcome to a one-of-a-kind journey through the heart of Sakai City's ancient art scene. As you arrive at the "Nankai Sakai Station" East Exit, you'll be greeted by your guide and led on a tour that delves deep into the local culture and history.

First, treat your taste buds to a delicious local delicacy - Cinnamon Mochi - at a traditional rice cake shop, with one sweet included for each guest. Then, it's time to explore the Sakai City Craft Museum, where you'll discover the city's rich legacy in the art of crafting.

But the highlight of your journey lies ahead - an exclusive visit to the prestigious Yamawaki Hamono Company, boasting a century-old legacy of crafting the finest Japanese cooking knives. Witness the raw blades arriving from the blacksmith and marvel at the traditional sharpening techniques that transform them into masterpieces of culinary art.

But the adventure doesn't end there - you'll get to practice the art of sharpening and learn how to take care of your knives. And if that's not enough, you can even order your own customized knives that you can watch being made right before your eyes!

This walking tour is a unique and unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the wonders of Sakai City's ancient craftsmanship and culinary heritage. Join us for an experience like no other!

Key takeaways

The tour takes you on a journey through Sakai City's ancient art scene, including a visit to a traditional sweet shop, the Sakai City Craft Museum, and the Yamawaki Hamono Company.

The Yamawaki Hamono Company specializes in crafting Japanese cooking knives, and guests can witness the traditional sharpening techniques and even order customized knives during the tour.

The tour includes a bilingual guide, one traditional Japanese sweet, a sharpening demonstration and lesson, and assistance with ordering a custom-made knife.

Transportation to the meeting point at Nankai Sakai Station East Exit is not included.

The tour is suitable for children, but the knife sharpening demonstration may not be suitable for young children.

The tour may not be wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces and stairs.

The tour will take place rain or shine, and guests should bring appropriate clothing and footwear. A refund or rescheduling may be offered in the event of severe weather.

From €182

/person

Adults

Ages 0-100

The booking is non-refundable if you cancel within 1 day of the start time.

Reviews

Private Sakai - Knife Artisan and Craft Walking Tour

28 reviews

1/1

Unique Insight into Sakai’s Knife-Making Tradition

We had an absolutely fantastic experience on this tour! Our guide, Remy, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Sakai’s history, particularly its knife-making tradition. Watching skilled artisans turn raw material into handmade knives was a rare privilege, and the opportunity to learn sharpening techniques firsthand was a highlight. We purchased a beautifully crafted knife, and we now truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind these high-quality tools. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Giac D

February 19, 2025

Once in a lifetime opportunity

My friend and I had an incredible time on our tour. It was just the two of us, so we ended up getting a private tour. We got to meet people that we never would have had the chance to meet otherwise. The knife workshop is so cool!!!!! What a rare look at a master craftsmen's workspace. Everyone was so welcoming to us; you can tell the tour company has a great relationship with the local businesses it coordinates with for these experiences. Also I had the softest, freshest, most delicious mochi that I have ever had (and likely ever will have) on this tour. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. If you are even slightly considering booking this tour-- do it. You will not be disappointed.

Sarah P

February 22, 2025

Unique Insight into Sakai’s Knife-Making Tradition

Giac D

February 19, 2025

Once in a lifetime opportunity

Sarah P

February 22, 2025

Itinerary

Yaogen Cinnamon Mochi

Yaogen, 5 Chome-1-5 Nanba, Chuo Ward, Osaka

Kick off your tour on a sweet note as we take you to a local cinnamon mochi (rice cake) shop. You'll get to indulge in a delicious sweet treat, with one sweet included for each guest.

Sakai City Craft Museum

1 Chome-1-30 Zaimokuchōnishi, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka

Explore the fascinating history of Sakai City's ancient art scene at the Craft Museum. You'll discover the city's legacy in the art of crafting and gain insight into the unique culture of this vibrant city.

Yamawaki Hamono Company

1 Chome-2-21 Yadoyacho Nishi Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka

Step into the highly respected Yamawaki Hamono Company, which boasts over 100 years of history. Witness the raw blades arriving from the blacksmith and observe them being transformed into proper handmade cooking knives at the sharpening station.