Blades of Steel: Japanese Knives, Museums, & Mochi in Sakai
Explore one of Japan’s top knife-producing regions on this walking tour of Sakai (Osaka). Visit a historic local sweets shop, the Sakai Knife and Craft Museum, then tour the Yamawaki Knife Factory.
Highlights
Visit Yaogen Raikodo to try cinnamon mochi, a sweet local specialty
Visit Sakai Traditional Knife and Crafts Museum
Tour the prestigious Yamawaki Knife Company: Tour the facilities, see professionals at work, learn how to sharpen a knife with stone
Optional: The opportunity to order a custom-made knife at Yamawaki Knife Company (something that’s typically difficult to do without Japanese-language skills)
10 meals
Experience Details
Step into the world of high-quality, professional Japanese knives with this walking tour in Sakai City, Osaka. Sakai ranks among Japan's three prominent regions known for the craftsmanship of high-quality knives and bladed tools. While the city is most recognized for its steel-forward craftsmanship, there are plenty of other sights worthy of a visit! During this guided tour, you’ll visit a 200+ year old shop selling cinnamon mochi (a regional specialty), explore the Sakai Knife and Craft Museum, then enter the prestigious walls of the Yamawaki Knife Company for a tour, knife sharpening lesson, and a special opportunity to order a custom-made knife!
Yaogen Raikodo Cinnamon Mochi: Founded more than 200 years ago, this shop serves traditional Japanese sweets with a Sakai city twist–cinnamon mochi. These age-old glutinous rice treats flavored with cinnamon are a Sakai City original, that’ll serve as the ideal sweet treat to kick off this tour.
Sakai Knife and Craft Museum: The museum showcases an impressive collection of knives and bladed tools, ranging from traditional Japanese knives to contemporary creations. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the evolution of knife-making techniques, materials, and designs throughout the years.
Yamawaki Knife Company: Established in the Showa Period, Yamawaki Knife Company is a bastion of the Japanese knife-making tradition spanning over a century of family history. Here, we delve deep into the heart of craftsmanship. We’ll visit the sharpening station, step into the main office, then venture to the second floor, where the hospitable staff welcomes us into their sanctum to give us a lesson in traditional knife sharpening. At the end, you have an (optional) opportunity to order and customize your very own knife! Select the blade type, handle, material, color, and get it engraved.
Inclusions
Bilingual guide
One traditional mochi (Japanese glutinous rice sweet)
Entry to Sakai Knife & Craft Museum
Yamawaki Knife Company: Tour, Japanese knife sharpening lesson, custom knife order assistance
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the meeting point
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at the East Exit of Nankai Sakai Station, in front of the gates. More information and a Google Maps link will be shared upon booking.
Remarks
This tour starts strictly on time, due to the various stops/related timing involved.
If you’re running late & are unable to make it to the meeting point by departure time, the tour will begin without you & a refund won’t be issued.
Please make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time to avoid unexpected delays.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Osaka Prefecture is the birthplace of Kansai-style okonomiyaki and many classic Japanese street foods. Centered around Osaka (the prefectural capital), the clash of trade, traditions, and modern technologies contributes to the dynamic energy of this prefecture overlooking Osaka Bay.
Absolutely great experience. Remi was a wonderful guide who explained the history and significance of Sakai before taking us to a small store which sells what is likely to the best mochi I've eve...read more
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10 meals
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