Master Craftsmanship

Unravel centuries of legacy behind the expert craftsmanship of the traditional arts like Washi paper-making, Mino ware pottery-making, and bladesmithing, with priceless opportunities to not only watch the masters at work, but try out some of these timeless traditions for yourself.

Note: For reservations and inquiries about each program, please contact the Discover Gifu Tour Desk using the information below.
E-mail: customer@gifu-tj.jp
Phone: ＋81-(0)58-265-4831(Weekdays, 9:30-17:30)

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Experience Content

Blades of Honor: Japanese Sword Factory Tour and Iaido in Seki with the Way of the Samurai

Tap into the mind, spirit, and tradition of the samurai through an essential part of their identity as fearsome warriors - the prized Japanese sword.

Central Gifu

Magnificent Mino: Wear kimono and tour beautiful townscapes famous for Minowashi paper – Minowashi paper activities included

Step into Mino City, the renowned birthplace of the prestigious Minowashi paper, and uncover its 1,300 years of illustrious history, cherished tradition, and art of boundless potential through a series of special Mino-exclusive activities, with a choice between making Minowashi paper the time-tested way or joining a Minowashi paper crafts workshop.

Central Gifu

Splendid Seki: The Way of the Samurai in the City of Blades

Come see the cutting-edge expertise, the time-honored tradition, and the enduring legacy behind the foundations of one of the world's three major cutlery centers - Seki City, the City of Blades, with a lineup of exciting activities and plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience.

Central Gifu

Radiance Unfolding: Create Your Mini Traditional Umbrella with a Master Craftsman, workshop tour

Gain precious insight into the stories, the techniques, and the masters behind one of Gifu's best-known and well-loved traditional crafts - the beautifully delicate but enduring Gifu wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrellas), before creating your very own miniature piece in the city of Japan's largest manufacturer of traditional umbrellas.

Central Gifu

Brilliance Unfolding: Create Your Mini Traditional Lantern with a Master Craftsman, Kawaramachi Walking Tour

Draw enlightening inspiration from the stories, the techniques, and the masters of Gifu's best-known and well-loved traditional crafts - the intricately elegant Gifu chochin (traditional Japanese lanterns), as you create a piece of your very own in the city of one of Japan's leading production areas of traditional lanterns.

Central Gifu

Crafting in the Heart of Nature: Nokutare Green Woodworking (Premium Course)

Introducing the world of green woodworking with natural and limitless potential of creativity. Take in the crisp scent of freshly shaved unseasoned wood, and find enduring joy in creating a keepsake of your own making right in the heart of nature. This Premium Course starts a visit at the forest nearby the workshop to safely remove wood, and includes a packed lunch.

North Gifu

Crafting in the Heart of Nature: Nokutare Green Woodworking (Regular Course)

North Gifu

Artisanal Legacy in Motion: Takayama Festival Master Craftsmen and Workshop Tour

Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the Takayama Festival, one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals in Japan featuring 23 gorgeously elaborate floats, with a history of about 350 years.

North Gifu

Symphonies of Steel: Create Your Original Damascus Knife

Create your original razor-sharp Damascus knife using traditional Japanese methods from start to finish, from blade and handle sharpening, assembling, to engraving your name onto your handmade masterpiece, under the guidance of master swordsmiths.

Central Gifu

Miraculous Edge: Cemented Carbide Original KISEKI: Pocketknife-making and Factory Tour

Take on this very special hands-on tour of the factory behind the highly sought-after and constantly sold-out premium, cemented carbide kitchen knives - a first in Japan, right here in Gifu!

Central Gifu

Takumi・Zen・Samurai Unbound: Traditional Japanese swordforging, zazen meditation and iai swordsmanship

Step into the daring domain of the Japan’s historical warriors with this travel plan featuring sword forging, iai-jutsu (sword drawing), Zen history, philosophy and meditation embodied by the samurai spirit. The best part is experiencing it all firsthand!

Central Gifu

Minowashi Unfurled: Create Your Original Japanese Paper with a Master Craftsman

Enwrap yourself in the fine art, history, and process of traditional Japanese papermaking. Put your knowledge to practice as a master craftsman guides you with creation from kozo (paper mulberry) to fine Minowashi.

Central Gifu

Legendary Treasures: Guided tour of Kokeisan Eiho-ji Temple, Suigetsugama pottery, lunch in Minoyaki ware

Unearth calm repose, encounter the world of Zen and enlightenment in creation through this course with a guide, taking you through the peaceful, scenic grounds of the Kokeizan Eiho-ji Temple. Then, at the Suigetsugama Kiln, tour the climbing kiln and learn of how it revolutionized the ceramics industry centuries ago. For lunch, feast your senses on Japanese cuisine carefully plated on tableware crafted by Mino ware artists, taking in the delightful harmony in presentation and taste.

Southeast Gifu

Revival in Tranquility: Exclusive Minoyaki pottery and green tea retreat

Heal and restore your mind, body, and soul away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you work on your very own clay creations, explore the rich history of the local area and uncover the deep and undeniable connection between soil and soul.