Japanese Knife Experiences With Traditional Artisans
I've just unveiled a new guide - Exclusive Japanese Knife Experiences With Traditional Artisans - showcasing 5 exclusive Japanese knife crafting experiences with traditional artisans. This isn't your average souvenir shopping though - we're talking hands-on adventures that'll immerse you in centuries-old techniques.
From crafting a kitchen knife in Tokyo to forging a samurai blade near Nagoya, these private workshops offer unique opportunities to learn from master craftsmen. You can choose from:
- Hammering red-hot tamahagane steel in a traditional smithy
- Designing your own blade pattern using ancient techniques
- Creating a personalized whetstone and sharpen your very own Japanese knife
- Crafting a legendary Sakai knife in Osaka
- Spending a full day forging a samurai knife in a historical farmhouse
Each experience is a deep dive into Japan's rich culinary heritage and craftsmanship. Whether you're a cultural explorer, cooking enthusiast, or just love getting your hands dirty, there's something here for you.
I've included practical advice, location maps, and a quick guide to help you choose the best experience based on where you're staying and how much time you have.
Ready to forge your own piece of Japanese cultural heritage? Click the button below to read the full guide and start planning your unforgettable knife-making experience in Japan!
Strolling Zōshigaya – Tokyo Off The Beaten Path
Tired of the same old Tokyo tourist spots?
Meet Zōshigaya, a hidden gem in Tokyo's Ward 23 that most travellers never see.
This quiet neighborhood is packed with fascinating history, charming streets, and local treasures. If you know where to look.
Imagine sipping traditional sock-filtered drip coffee, visiting Japan's oldest dagashiya (traditional sweet shop), and strolling through a historic cemetery where famous writers rest.
This guide takes you off the beaten path, showing you a side of Tokyo that even many locals don't know.
If you're ready to discover the real Tokyo beyond the guidebooks, Zōshigaya is the perfect place to start your adventure!
I know very little about Tokyo, so I turned to Gilles Poitras, author of Tokyo Stroll: A Guide to City Sidetracks and Easy Exploration, for advice on getting off the beaten track in Tokyo.
He immediately recommended Zōshigaya.
Over to you Gilles…
Where to Stay Near Zōshigaya - Hotels and Boutique Lodging
Despite its off the beaten path location, Zōshigaya is actually well-served by hotels and lodging surrounding the area. There's a good selection of familiar Japanese chain name hotels, along with independent boutique accommodation as well.
Here's a few suggestions...
Zōshigaya Hotel Recommendations
Sunshine City Prince Hotel Ikebukuro
HOTEL MYSTAYS Higashi Ikebukuro
Richmond Hotel Tokyo Mejiro
Zōshigaya Boutique Lodging Recommendations
Zoshigaya House
TYO Ikebukuro Designers Apt 302
Fufu Hotel Tokyo Ikebukuro
Kanazawa via Lake Kawaguchi - Good or Bad Idea?
I'm working with a Concierge client on his first trip to Japan who will be travelling between locations using Japan's extensive rail network and he asked an interesting logistical question - the kind I get a LOT of, so I thought I'd share his question and my answer.
His question was: "For the first 3 days, we’d like to spend these fully in Tokyo and see whether we can visit Lake Kawaguchi on the way to Kanazawa?
Would you know if this can be done easily, if there are big lockers at Kawaguchiko train station (because we’d be travelling with main luggage) – or alternatively, if it’s possible and practicable to forward our main luggage ahead from Tokyo to Kanazawa to find it waiting for us when we arrive there?"
Knowing that he had already specifically ruled out driving in Japan, here is my reply: Lake Kawaguchi is definitely worth a side-excursion but it isn't well placed as a location *en-route* from Tokyo to Kanazawa.
If you look at its location on a map it seems like a logical choice for that plan. However, transportation between the two is the problem.
Tokyo to Kawaguchiko is straightforward - its only around 2hrs 30min by train.
The issue comes with getting from Kawaguchi to Kanazawa, as the only practical route is back the way you came, through Tokyo. That's because the interior is mountainous with no major train lines between the Pacific and Sea of Japan coasts.
Therefore, if you are keen on visiting Lake Kawaguchi, I suggest doing that as a day trip *while* you are staying in Tokyo.
Then the trip from Tokyo to Kanazawa is also only around 2hrs 30mins by shinkansen.
If you wanted to use luggage forwarding, most high quality hotels will arrange this for you, or you can use the well-known Takkyubin service. You can ask your hotel to arrange via them or book it directly yourself via the Takkyubin website HERE.
Take my New Quiz: SIM vs WiFi - Which Is Best For You?
When travelling in Japan, keeping in touch, either with those back home, or with your travelling companions, and having access to the internet makes the entire experience a whole lot easier.
But choosing between a SIM card or WiFi, and knowing which is best for you isn't always so clear cut.
To help you decide which piece of tech best suits your travel needs, take my new SIM vs WiFi Quiz and find out which I personally recommend for you.
All you have to do is answer no more than 5 quick questions, and I'll instantly tell you which device I recommend for your needs.
You might be surprised by the result.
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