From Tokyo: 3-Day Sakai Knives & Kofun Customizable Tour

Sakai, south of Osaka city, has made blades for more than 600 years. Many Japanese chefs use Sakai kitchen knives. Each knife passes through the hands of several craftsmen: the smith who forges it, the sharpener and the handle maker.

On day 2 you visit the Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum, where you see knives being sharpened and learn how the steps work. Then you join a hands-on knife workshop with a local craftsman. You work on the blade under his guidance and learn how to care for a Japanese knife. Knives can be bought at the museum shop.

In the afternoon you see the Mozu Kofun group, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Daisen Kofun, said to be the tomb of Emperor Nintoku, is one of the largest tombs in the world by area. It is a keyhole-shaped hill surrounded by moats. The tomb cannot be entered, so you walk the moat path and see it from above at a free observation floor. At the Sakai City Museum you learn how the tombs were built.

Your English-speaking driver-guide explains blade styles and the long history of the city.

This is a private tour. Only your group. One van, one driver-guide, 1 to 6 guests, never shared with other travelers.

If the knife workshop is closed on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead join a knife workshop with another Sakai craftsman.

DAY 1 Pickup at your Tokyo hotel in the morning and drive to Osaka (about 7 hours with breaks). Free evening.

DAY 2 Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum, hands-on knife workshop, Daisen Kofun moat walk and Sakai City Museum.

DAY 3 Morning departure and the drive back to your Tokyo hotel (evening arrival).