"Japanese knife shop HIRAI" is located right next to the fragrance shop called 'My Only Fragrance'
Description
The craftsman teaching the sharpening and handle attachment has trained at a knife shop with over 150 years of history. Because he has undergone all-round training in sharpening, handle attachment, and even engraving, he is able to offer both sharpening and handle attachment workshops.
Also, while the knife blade tends to get the most attention, please don’t overlook the variety of handles made from different types of wood! Through the sharpening experience, we hope you will appreciate the sharpness of Japanese knives, and through the handle attachment experience, the beauty and variety of knife handles.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM
Next available
Sun, Oct 18
Adult (ages 12+)
$162
Out at sunset: the 4:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:05 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 17.
How much does Beginner friendly Knife sharpening & fitting handle workshop cost?
Prices start at $162 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Beginner friendly Knife sharpening & fitting handle workshop run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM.
Can I cancel Beginner friendly Knife sharpening & fitting handle workshop for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is "Japanese knife shop HIRAI" is located right next to the fragrance shop called 'My Only Fragrance'. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 3 participants.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 12 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by 初心者でも安心！簡単に研ぎの基礎がマスターできる研ぎ・柄付け体験.
Reviews(12)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
sophia b
January 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Cutting edge class
Julio lead and taught our class. We learned about the history of knife making as well as how to sharpen and properly care for these knives. My husband and I picked two different types of knives for two completely different purposes. Julio was very kind and patient talking about the knives usage as well as how they both need to be sharpened differently. We actually got to practice sharpening the knives we got to take home. We then got to help fit the handles onto our blades. Highly recommend this experience for anyone interested in getting a blade in japan so you know how to care for it and keep it sharpened.
K
kenneth_n
November 5, 2025 · via Viator
Confident in knife sharpening skills
Wonderful experience actually learnt how to sharpen knives l surprised myself felt very confident when I left loved it
M
Monica_T
October 10, 2025 · via Viator
Very interesting experience
Julio is very nice and professional. He tought us everything about knife sharpening in a light manner.
N
Nicholas_B
September 12, 2025 · via Viator
Great experience
Absolutely great experience, from learning how to get the angle right on the blade, the knowledge shared aroud how the blades are made
4
486nickp
April 19, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
very pleasant experience
great experience and gentle people,
we learned how to properly sharpen
the blade, which is included on the price
expect if you choose uogrades
recommended
S
Steven_R
April 15, 2025 · via Viator
Good deal!
Great way to learn knife sharpening techniques and get a knife. My wife and I both learned a lot. Just do it!
L
Laurie_Z
April 14, 2025 · via Viator
Wonderful time with Tatsu...
Wonderful time with Tatsu learning how to properly sharpen the beautiful knives we picked out. Such a cool experience!
J
jerry_h
March 22, 2025 · via Viator
Knife sharpening
Absolutely keep this in mind when here in Tokyo. I was taught knife sharpening using a 225 and 1000 wet stone by Tatsu; he was very skilled, patient, loved his work and spoke perfect English and walked away with a knife I had sharpened by myself. Thank you!
K
Katherine_S
February 13, 2025 · via Viator
The perfect Kyoto souvenir (and activity!)
We had a fantastic morning with Tatsu. He was a very patient and kind teacher, explaining each step clearly and helping us throughout the process. Not only did we walk away with a beautiful knife each - but we now know how to keep them well cared for and sharp. If you’re in Kyoto you need to add this to your to do list!
R
Rebecamcbride
January 29, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Unique knife-smithing experience in Kyoto!
This was such an amazing experience. Absolutely worth it for the price, and even more! Yu is such an experienced and patient teacher, he made sure our knives were absolutely perfect before masterfully helping us assemble the blade with the handle. They have a great selection of both blades and handles. We are SO HAPPY with the results! Not only will we be using these knives forever, but the sharpening techniques we learned will be so so so useful for years to come. I would HIGHLY recommend this experience to anyone who loves cooking at home or even just appreciates the beauty of knife-making!
Compare similar tours in Kyoto
Lowest price: Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion — $6
Best rated: Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion — 5.0 (4,521 reviews)
Shortest: Kyoto: Japanese Knife Making & Sharpening Workshop in Arashiyama — 1 hour
