Original Tours Tickets Activities Accomodations

Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai

  • Make your very own knife in Sakai, a city with 600 years of history tied to blade making
  • Learn the tricks of the polishing trade at the well-established Wada Shoten store
  • Select your preferred knife handle and a branding iron pattern to brand the handle with
  • Indulge in delicious seasonal cuisine at Mochizuki, a long-established Japanese restaurant
  • See the professional techniques right in front of you in a completely private space
  • Walk through the streets of Sakai and learn about its culture from a professional guide
VenueWada Shoten / Mochizuki Ichimian
Days availableIrregular days off
Starting timeWeekdays: 15:00~19:00 Weekends: 10:00~14:00/15:00~19:00
Duration4 hours (Due to unforseen circumstances experience duration may be extended)
Participants2 to 4 people
Meeting pointNear the entrance of the Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum and Knife Shop (1 Chome-1-30 Zaimokuchonishi, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0941)
IncludesExperience fee, meal, gift (authentic Japanese knife)
OptionGuide fee (including English interpreter), Left-handed knife
Notes・You can take the knife back home with you.
・The experience duration my extend due to circumstances.
・For inquiries of 5 and more participants, please contact us separately.

Plans

…Immediate Booking …Request Booking

Japanese knife making & authentic Japanese cuisine experience (weekday)

228.86USD~
Select

・Itinerary:
15:00~17:00 <Wada Shoten>
17:00~17:30 <Guided walking tour>*This part of the itinerary will be included if the guide option is selected.
17:30~19:00 <Japanese restaurant Mochizuki Ichimian>

【2025.01〜】Japanese knife making & authentic Japanese cuisine experience (weekday)

255.18USD~
Select

・Itinerary:
15:00~17:00 <Wada Shoten>
17:00~17:30 <Guided walking tour>*This part of the itinerary will be included if the guide option is selected.
17:30~19:00 <Japanese restaurant Mochizuki Ichimian>

Japanese knife making & authentic Japanese cuisine experience (weekend)

228.86USD~
Select

・Itinerary: (Morning / Afternoon)
10:00~12:00/15:00~17:00 <Wada Shoten>
12:00~12:30/17:00~17:30 <Guided walking tour>*This part of the itinerary will be included if the guide option is selected.
12:30~14:00/17:30~19:00 <Japanese restaurant Mochizuki Ichimian>

【2025.01〜】Japanese knife making & authentic Japanese cuisine experience (weekend)

255.18USD~
Select

・Itinerary: (Morning / Afternoon)
10:00~12:00/15:00~17:00 <Wada Shoten>
12:00~12:30/17:00~17:30 <Guided walking tour>*This part of the itinerary will be included if the guide option is selected.
12:30~14:00/17:30~19:00 <Japanese restaurant Mochizuki Ichimian>

Consult with a local expert! (Free)

We will promptly provide you with a custom travel plan that perfectly fits your needs!

  • I want to compare the fun and interesting local experiences!
  • I want to know more about the "deep" local experiences.
  • I want to book, but the time/number of people
    doesn't work for me! etc.

Map

Address

Meeting place: Near the entrance to the Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum and Knife Shop (1 Chome-1-30 Zaimokuchonishi, Sakai Ward, 590-0941)

Access

・Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum and Knife Shop
3 minutes on foot, southwest of the Myokokuji-mae tram stop on the Hankai Rail
15 minutes on foot, northeast of the the Sakai Station on the Nankai Rail
In front on the Hanataguchi bus stop on the Nankai Bus

Activity Information

◆Sakai knives - the pride and envy of master chefs

Sakai blades command the lion's share of Japan's market for chef's knives, embodying a rich heritage of craftsmanship that spans over six centuries. In Sakai, the art of knife-making is more than a tradition; it's a legacy of precision and excellence that has been meticulously handed down through generations. These craftsmen have not only preserved but also perfected the pinnacle of kitchen knife smithing technology, thereby shaping the very essence of modern Japanese cuisine.

Renowned for their unparalleled sharpness and the ability to make clean cuts that preserve the integrity of the ingredients, Sakai knives are treasured by culinary professionals worldwide. Their durability is unmatched, promising a lifetime of service when cared for correctly, effectively becoming an indispensable extension of the chef's hand.

This exclusive tour invites you to delve into the world of Sakai knives, offering a rare chance to engage directly with the master artisans and chefs who wield these legendary blades. It's an immersive experience that not only reveals the secrets behind the creation of these culinary masterpieces but also connects you to the deep-rooted culture and unparalleled expertise that define Sakai's esteemed knife-making tradition.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai

◆Learn the tricks of the trade from the professionals

Wada Shoten, with a storied heritage exceeding 150 years, traces its origins back to the late Edo Period. The Sakai tradition of dividing labor among specialists—bladesmiths, grinders, and polishers—underscores the unique craftsmanship of their blades. This generational transmission of skills ensures that each craftsman masters their respective phase of production. Wada Shoten excels in the artful final stages, focusing on precise sharpening and meticulous handle fitting.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼Unraveling the mystery of the craft starts with a visit to a specialized cutlery museum.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼Learn about the fine details directly from a master craftsman.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼From the museum, the craftsman will guide you to their shop.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai

Experience sharpening and handle attaching under the guidance of a professional

▼Refine your perception through gentle guidance.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼Once you try it yourself, you will understand the difference in skill.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼The handle is also attached using traditional methods. Feel like a true artisan!
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai

Special feature!

▼As an exclusive special feature of this tour, you get to choose the handle on the spot!
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼Should you wish to do so, you could get your handle branded as well with a design of your choice from the available selection. (Japanese Magnolia only)
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼After the last finishing touches by the artisan, you will receive your finished knife to take home with you.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai

◆Move between the respective spots whilst enjoying the scenery of Sakai

▼The local tram boasts a history of over 110 years and has become an indispensable means of transportation for the locals. Its rails run through the central areas and with a pleasant pace it is a great choice for transportation around Sakai.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼There are many historical sports on the way that we highly recommend visiting.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼Aguchi shrine represents Sakai with its architecture dating back more than 1500 years.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai

◆Japanese restaurant Mochizuki Ichimian

This restaurant has a 70 years long history and offers you the opportunity to witness the traditional cooking techniques with the Japanese knife, courtesy of its master chef.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼Elegantly decorated private rooms.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼Two-stage bento boxed lunch made with the best local ingredients.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼The sharpness of the Japanese knives is able to seal in the flavors without damaging the ingredients. Furthermore, it makes it easy to separate the cut ingredients from the blade.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼A luxurious meal, with the sashimi prepared right in front of your eyes.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼The master chef will happily answer all your questions regarding cuisine.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼Feel free to inquire about everything related to knife maintenance. With regular use, a blade gradually diminishes in size compared to its original condition, illustrating the significant transformation it undergoes through years of usage and upkeep.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai
▼A visit to this restaurant will undoubtedly make you want to use your own knife as soon as possible.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai

Summary

This tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Sakai cutlery and cuisine, guided by the expertise of master chefs and bladesmiths. Sakai's revered cutlery tradition, cherished for over 600 years, continues to thrive, with its exceptional techniques meticulously preserved and passed down through generations. Embark on this journey to not only craft your own distinctive knife but also to savor the rich culinary heritage of Sakai. You'll leave with a piece of this timeless artistry and culinary memories that may inspire your cooking for years to come.
Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai Japanese knife and cuisine experience! Enjoy the food culture of Sakai

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Important Notes

・Please wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
*Meeting place: Near the entrance to the Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum and Knife Shop (1 Chome-1-30 Zaimokuchonishi, Sakai Ward, 590-0941)
*If you do not show up or contact us within 30 minutes of your reservation time on the day of your resrevation, we will treat it as cancelled. Please be sure to notify us before your arrival if you are running late. (In some cases, staff may potentially contact you for confirmation)
Cancellation Policy

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