Kyoto: Ninja Weapon Making Class at a Historic Mansion

Nestled in a 120-year-old Machiya building in Kyoto, the Ninja Weapon Making Class offers visitors a uniquely immersive cultural experience. Participants choose to craft either a Shuriken or Kunai, guided by expert instructors in the art of authentic blacksmithing. As they don traditional ninja-inspired uniforms, students personalize their weapons through etching and high-temperature tempering. The class culminates in an exhilarating weapon-throwing session set against the serene backdrop of the studio’s meticulously maintained Japanese gardens. This hands-on experience allows guests to connect with Kyoto’s rich heritage and the centuries-old traditions of Japanese weaponry – but there’s far more to discover about this captivating class.

Key Points

• Unique 2.5-hour ninja weapon-making experience in a 120-year-old Machiya building in Kyoto, immersing participants in a historic Japanese atmosphere.
• Hands-on training in authentic blacksmithing techniques to create either a Shuriken or Kunai, personalized with etching.
• Participants don a ninja-inspired uniform and learn the proper tempering process to strengthen the handcrafted weapon.
• Expert guidance on weapon throwing, with opportunities to practice and perfect the technique in a picturesque Japanese garden setting.
• Replica swords available for purchase, and weapons can be taken home in checked luggage (not carry-on).

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Class

The Ninja Weapon Making Class in historic Kyoto offers a unique 2.5-hour experience where participants can learn authentic blacksmithing techniques to create a traditional weapon used by ninjas.

Students have the choice of making either a Shuriken or a Kunai, and will have the opportunity to personalize their weapon. After shaping and sharpening the metal, you will temper the weapon at high temperatures.

The class also includes time to practice throwing the weapon and explore the two lush gardens on the property. At the end of the class, students will take home their handmade weapon in a beautiful box.

Location of the Studio

Located in a 120-year-old Machiya building in Kyoto, Studio NIN hosts the Ninja Weapon Making Class. The studio is housed in an old Japanese house with a large gate, immersing participants in a historic atmosphere. The class takes place in this charming, traditional setting, allowing students to fully experience the authentic art of ninja weapon making.

The lush gardens on the property add to the serene and immersive experience, providing a picturesque backdrop for this unique workshop. With its historic charm and focus on traditional craftsmanship, the Studio NIN location sets the stage for an unforgettable ninja weapon-making adventure in the heart of Kyoto.

Weapon-Making Activities

Students begin the ninja weapon-making class by choosing to craft either a Shuriken or Kunai weapon. They put on a traditional uniform before the lesson starts.

Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, participants learn how to shape, sharpen, and personalize their chosen weapon. They then temper the weapon at high temperatures to strengthen it.

After the forging process, students have the opportunity to practice throwing their newly made weapon. The class also includes a visit to the two lush gardens on the property, providing a serene backdrop to the immersive ninja experience.

Uniform and Personalization

Participants don don the provided ninja-inspired uniform before embarking on their weapon-making journey, allowing them to fully enjoy the traditional craft. The uniform not only adds to the authentic experience but also helps protect participants during the forging process.

Uniform Item	Description
Jacket	Black, with traditional Japanese patterns
Pants	Loose-fitting, comfortable for movement
Gloves	Thick, for handling hot metal safely
Headband	White, to keep hair out of the face

After donning the uniform, participants personalize their weapons by etching their initials or a design onto the surface, making each creation truly one-of-a-kind.

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Weapon Tempering Process

How does the weapon tempering process unfold at the Ninja Weapon Making Class in Kyoto? After shaping and sharpening their chosen weapon – either a shuriken or kunai – participants learn the art of tempering. The instructor heats the metal to a high temperature, demonstrating the precise techniques required.

Participants then carefully temper their own creations, watching as the metal transforms. This critical step strengthens the weapon, ensuring its durability and effectiveness. With focus and care, each student tempers their ninja tool to perfection. The instructor provides guidance every step of the way, ensuring participants gain true mastery of this traditional blacksmithing technique.

Weapon Throwing Practice

After successfully tempering their ninja weapons, participants engage in a thrilling throwing practice session. They learn the proper techniques for safely and accurately throwing their shuriken or kunai.

The experience includes:

• Guidance from the expert instructor on the optimal grip, stance, and throwing motion
• Opportunities to practice throwing the weapons at targets, perfecting their aim
• The excitement of watching their personalized weapons soar through the air and hit the mark

The throwing practice not only allows participants to test their newfound skills but also adds an adrenaline-filled culmination to the overall ninja weapon-making experience.

Onsite Garden Exploration

As participants conclude the thrilling throwing practice, they have the opportunity to explore the two lush gardens on the property. The gardens offer a peaceful respite from the weapon-making activities, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Garden	Features
Garden 1	Meticulously maintained traditional Japanese landscape with serene ponds and carefully pruned bonsai trees.
Garden 2	Sprawling green spaces dotted with vibrant flowers, providing a picturesque backdrop for photographs.

The gardens showcase the harmonious blend of nature and architecture that is quintessential to the Kyoto aesthetic. This delightful exploration completes the immersive ninja weapon-making experience.

Additional Offerings and Info

Along With the immersive weapon-making experience and serene garden exploration, the Ninja Weapon Making Class in Kyoto offers several other noteworthy features. Guests can browse and purchase replica swords as souvenirs.

The weapons crafted during the class can be taken home, but they must be packed in checked luggage, not carried on. Plus, the class has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

• Replica swords available for purchase
• Weapons can be taken home in checked luggage, not carry-on
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Multiple Weapons During the Class?

The class allows participants to make one weapon, either a shuriken or kunai. While multiple weapons cannot be made during the class, participants can opt to purchase additional replica swords or take home the weapon they crafted.

Is There an Age Requirement to Participate?

The ninja weapon making class doesn’t have a specific age requirement. However, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants of all ages are welcome to take part in the authentic blacksmithing experience.

Can I Bring a Guest Who Doesn’t Want to Make a Weapon?

Yes, guests who don’t want to make a weapon can attend the class. They can explore the historic mansion, gardens, and watch their companions create their ninja weapons.

Do I Need to Have Prior Blacksmithing Experience?

No, prior blacksmithing experience isn’t required. The class teaches all the basics, and the instructor guides participants through the entire weapon-making process, from shaping and sharpening to tempering and personalization. It’s a hands-on experience for beginners.

Can I Request a Specific Design for My Weapon?

Yes, participants can request a specific design for their weapon during the class. The instructors are experienced in customizing the weapons to the preferences of each student within the scope of traditional ninja tools.

Recap

The Ninja Weapon Making Class in Kyoto’s historic Machiya building offers a unique opportunity to craft and personalize traditional Japanese weapons. Participants learn authentic blacksmithing techniques, don a ninja-inspired uniform, and cap off the experience with an exhilarating weapon-throwing session in the serene onsite gardens. This immersive cultural experience allows visitors to connect with Kyoto’s rich heritage and the art of traditional Japanese weaponry.

You can check if your dates are available here: