Private Sakai - Knife Artisan and Craft Walking Tour
Get exclusive backstage access to an elite community of craftsmanship on our private Sakai knife tour. Enjoy traditional sweets, explore local history, and watch master artisans at work as proper handmade cooking knives are forged and crafted right in front of you.
- 180 Mins
- 1-10 Participants
- Osaka
- Easy
★★★★★
?? Reviews on Trip Advisor
From
¥ 60,000
Per Person
- Bilingual Guide
- Tramway Tickets (Round-Trip)
- One sweet per guest included (at the traditional sweet shop)
- Food & drinks package inclusions
- All Fees and Taxes
Experience Overview
The tour starts south of Osaka at “Nankai Sakai Station,” where you will meet your guide. Your journey begins with a relaxing stop at an old-fashioned traditional sweet shop—Yaogen Cinnamon Mochi—famous for treats you eat with Japanese tea. Here, you can enjoy one included sweet of your choice. Next, you will visit the Sakai City Knife & Crafts Museum to discover what makes this city special. You will learn about local products like Sake and Craft Beer, uncover the origins of the “Shimano” bicycle brand, and find a real treasure waiting on the second floor.
Finally, step into the very private and exclusive community of craftsmanship and knife making. The destination depends on the day of the week. On Mondays and Wednesdays, you will get exclusive access to a Blacksmith’s workshop. You will learn the forging process and techniques directly from the artisan himself. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you get backstage access to the Yamawaki Knife Company, a traditional factory with over 100 years of family history. Here, you can go inside the sharpening station, practice traditional stone-sharpening techniques, and even order a customizable knife (choosing the blade, handle, material, color, and engraving). Watch the staff assemble your knife step-by-step right in front of you!
Your Experience & Highlights
What to Expect on Your Private Sakai Knife Factory Tour
Traditional Sweet Stop
Relax after getting off the tramway at an old-fashioned shop with one included Japanese sweet of your choice
Sakai Crafts Museum
Discover the city's famous local products, the history of Shimano bicycles, and a hidden treasure on the second floor
Mondays & Wednesdays: Blacksmith
Get exclusive access to a workshop to learn the forging process and techniques directly from the blacksmith artisan
Tuesdays & Thursdays: Knife Maker
Go backstage at a 100-year-old company to observe blade sharpening, practice traditional techniques, and optionally order a custom knife
Why Choose This Private Sakai Knife Factory Tour
Exclusive Private Access
Step into a highly private community of craftsmanship with exclusive backstage entry to working artisan shops
Bilingual Guide
Enjoy detailed instruction in English, with French available upon request (contact us in advance to confirm)
Custom Knife Ordering
Choose your blade, handle, and engraving on specific days, then watch the staff assemble your custom cooking knife step-by-step
All-Inclusive Transport & Fees
Enjoy a seamless experience with round-trip tramway tickets, all taxes, and guide fees fully included
Fully Accessible Route
Navigate the tour comfortably on an easy-rated route that is completely wheelchair accessible and stroller/pram accessible
Important Details
Know Before You Go
- Minimum age: 6 years old
- Duration: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- All guests are required to bring their passport.
- Please meet your guide at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure. Introduce yourself and state your number of guests so the guide can check you in
- Important Date Notice (March 6th - April 6th, 2026): During this period, only the Blacksmith is available. Tuesdays and Thursdays still feature the Blacksmith, but apply the knife maker rate (giving you a nice discount)
- All guides speak English. Select team members speak French, but the French language cannot be guaranteed on shared tours. You must contact us before booking to confirm French availability for your desired date
- Personal shopping, souvenirs, custom knife purchases, and extra food or drinks are not included in the baseline price
- This tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller/pram accessible. Public transportation is nearby
- Infant & Pet Policy: This experience is not suitable for pets. Infant seats are unavailable, and infants must not sit on laps
- Exclusions: Extra food, shopping, and souvenirs are not included.
- Booking cutoff: 2 days in advance
Cancellation Policy
For Private Tour - English Bookings:
- 100% charge if cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- 0% cancellation fee if the booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event
Cancellation Policy
For Private Tour - French Bookings:
- 100% cancellation fee if the booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- 50% cancellation fee if the booking is cancelled 2 days or less before the event
- 0% cancellation fee if the booking is cancelled 999 days or less before the event
Meeting Point
3-chōme-22 Ebisujimachō
〒590-0985 JP Sakai
How to find us: Our meeting point is located at 3-chōme-22 Ebisujimachō, conveniently situated right next to Nankai Sakai Station (south of Osaka).
