Ninja Shuriken or Kunai Forging Experience Kyoto
- DurationAbout 2.5 hours
- Daily
- Group
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Overview
This ninja shuriken forging experience in Kyoto turns you into a blacksmith for an evening. In a traditional house near Hieizanguchi Station, at the foot of Mount Hiei, you change into a samue work uniform and tenugui head cloth, choose one of three shuriken designs, and forge real steel heated in an 800°C furnace under the guidance of skilled artisans. You then shape it on a belt sander, have a kanji of your choice engraved, blacken and polish it, and learn about the history of the ninja along the way. The finished weapon is yours to keep, in a gift box. Sessions start at 18:30 and last about two and a half hours; a kunai option is also available. No hotel pickup is included.
Highlights
- Forge real steel in an 800°C furnace with expert guidance
- Choose one of three shuriken designs, or a kunai in the second option
- Work in a samue blacksmith uniform and tenugui head cloth
- Kanji character of your choice engraved on your piece
- Ninja history session with your instructor
- Keep your finished weapon, presented in a gift box
- Evening session a minute's walk from Hieizanguchi Station
Full Description
A forging studio at the foot of Mount Hiei
The studio is set in a traditional Japanese house in the quiet Yase area of northeast Kyoto, a one-minute walk up a small hill from Hieizanguchi Station. The station is the last stop of the Eizan line from Demachiyanagi, and the forested slopes of Mount Hiei, site of the great temple complex of Enryaku-ji, rise just behind it.
The evening start at 18:30 makes this experience easy to fit after a day of sightseeing in central Kyoto: the train from Demachiyanagi takes about fifteen minutes. Inside, the forge glows in a working space prepared for small groups, with all tools ready. Wear clothes you do not mind getting a little dusty, though the uniform covers most of them.
Forging your shuriken or kunai
The session begins as you dress in samue, the traditional clothing of Japanese craftsmen, and wrap a tenugui around your head. You then choose your weapon: three different shuriken styles, each with its own balance and character, or a kunai, a versatile ninja tool and knife, in the second option.
The highlight is the forge itself. Your steel is heated until it glows orange at around 800°C, and under the instructor's guidance you strike it with a hammer on the anvil as sparks fly. Blow by blow the metal changes shape. You then refine the blade on a professional belt sander until the lines are clean and sharp, feeling the satisfaction of real craftsmanship.
Kanji engraving and finishing
Next you choose a kanji character that means something to you, such as strength, peace or a family name, and the staff engrave it on your piece with precision, making it truly one of a kind. A special solution is then applied to blacken the steel and protect it from rust, giving it the dark, dramatic finish associated with ninja tools.
Final polishing brings out the shine, and your weapon is placed in a beautiful box for you to keep. Remember to pack it in checked luggage, never in your carry-on, when you fly. The studio also sells replica swords for anyone who wants an extra souvenir.
The history of the ninja
During the session your instructor shares the history, symbolism and hidden techniques of the ninja, the covert agents of feudal Japan who were trained in espionage, survival and unconventional warfare, most famously in the mountain regions of Iga and Koka. Shuriken were small, concealable throwing blades, while the kunai served as a digging, climbing and cutting tool.
Understanding the culture behind the craft gives real meaning to the piece you have made. This is one of the most unusual things to do in Kyoto at night, popular with families with older children, couples and anyone curious about Japanese blacksmithing traditions. Photos and videos are welcome throughout.
Itinerary
- Arrival at the studioArrive by 18:30 at the studio a minute's walk from Hieizanguchi Station.
- Dress and choose your weaponPut on the samue uniform and tenugui, then pick your shuriken design (or kunai in the second option).
- ForgingHeat the steel to around 800°C and hammer it into shape with the instructor.
- ShapingRefine the form on a professional belt sander.
- Kanji engraving and ninja talkChoose a kanji to be engraved while you learn about ninja history.
- Blackening and polishingBlacken the steel against rust and give it a final polish; about two and a half hours in total.
- Your finished pieceReceive your finished weapon in a gift box.
What's included
- English-speaking forging instructor
- Samue blacksmith uniform and tenugui head cloth
- All tools and steel
- Forging in an 800°C furnace, sanding and polishing
- Kanji character engraved on your piece
- Ninja history session
- Your finished shuriken in a gift box to take away
Not included
- Hotel pickup
- Replica swords (for sale at the studio)
- Food and drinks
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Meeting point
The studio is a one-minute walk from Hieizanguchi Station, the last stop of the Eizan line from Demachiyanagi in northeast Kyoto: from the station, walk up the small hill by the red postbox in front of it. The session starts at 18:30. We send the exact address with your booking confirmation.
Important information
- Sessions start at 18:30; allow about 15 minutes by train from Demachiyanagi
- Follow the instructor's safety instructions near the furnace and tools
- Wear closed shoes and clothes you can move in; a uniform is provided
- Pack your finished weapon in checked luggage only, never in carry-on
- Some weapon types, such as the kunai, are a separate option
- Replica swords are sold at the studio but not included
- Photos and videos of your work are welcome
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private experience?
It is a shared small-group workshop with an English-speaking instructor.
How long does it take?
About two and a half hours, starting at 18:30.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The studio is a one-minute walk from Hieizanguchi Station, about fifteen minutes by train from Demachiyanagi.
What is included?
The instructor, uniform, tools, steel, kanji engraving, ninja history session and the weapon you make, in a gift box.
Is the price per person or per group?
It is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price of each option.
What is the difference between the shuriken and kunai options?
The default option makes a shuriken in one of three designs; the kunai option makes a ninja knife and includes the extra material and processing.
Is it suitable for children?
Older children and teenagers enjoy it with an adult; everyone must follow the safety instructions around the furnace and tools.
Can I take the weapon on a plane?
Yes, but only in your checked luggage, never in your carry-on bag.
Do I need any experience?
No. Skilled artisans guide you through every step, from forging to final polish.
What should I wear?
Closed shoes and comfortable clothes; the samue uniform and head cloth are provided.
Can I combine it with sightseeing?
Yes. The evening start lets you explore Kyoto during the day, and the Shugakuin and Ichijoji areas lie on the same train line.
How do I book and confirm?
Choose your date and option in the booking panel; our team confirms on WhatsApp within minutes.
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