HOME Back

My Favorites

${v.title}

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

${v.title}

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

View All

Use the

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

None

Nippon Genshosha Japanese Sword Workshop

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Nippon Genshosha Japanese Sword Workshop

Three young and dedicated swordsmiths forging the future of Japanese swords

Kyoto by the Sea DMO

Located in the coastal region of Tango, in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture known as Kyoto by the Sea, Nippon Genshosha is a workshop owned and operated by three young swordsmiths who are striving to keep the traditional Japanese art of sword-making alive. All three aspired to pursue sword-making since childhood and studied under the same swordsmith master.

The three young swordsmiths running Nippon Genshosha are not only three of Japan’s last remaining sword makers, but three innovative artisans who understand that the future of Japanese swords is modern art. Since Japan’s different eras can often be distinguished by the styles of swords being made, these three are working to create swords that define the modern Reiwa era (2019-), while still maintaining the heritage the art is founded on.

The three swordsmiths have designed their own forge and gallery with the aim of sharing the process and history of Japanese swords with people who want to understand it more deeply. At Nippon Genshosha, visitors have the opportunity to watch the swordsmiths work, and even try their hand at hammering themselves. The forge features displays that outline the whole sword-making process, and in the gallery space you can actually handle some of the swords the three owners have made.

The gallery also includes a private shop with some of their hand-forged pieces for sale, including swords, daggers, knives, jewelry, art pieces, and creative works like guitar picks. The future of Japanese swords is modern art, born in Kyoto by the Sea!

How to get there

From Kyoto Station, take the limited express train to Amanohashidate Station (2 hours), change to the Kyoto Tango Railway for Mineyama Station (25 minutes), then take a taxi to Nippon Genshosha (20 minutes).

314 Miyake, Tango-cho, Kyōtango-shi, Kyoto