Question 1

Where is Workshop Kurogane located?

Accepted Answer

Workshop Kurogane is situated in Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island, along the Shimanto River. The nearest city is Shimanto City, which can be reached by train from Kochi City.

Question 2

How go I get to Workshop Kurogane?

Accepted Answer

From Shimanto City, it is a 30-minute drive by car or a 45-minute trip by public bus to the Kuchi Yanai bus stop. From there, it is a 20-minute walk to Workshop Kurogane. *Bus does not run on Sundays. 
From Kochi City, take the limited Dosan Limited express train (1 hour 45 min) or the regular Dosan Line (approx. 3 hours) to Nakamura Station in Shimanto City.
Please note that if you're using the JR pass from Kochi City to Nakamura Station, you will need to pay an extra 2,000 yen from Kubokawa Station to Nakamura Station as the railway changes from JR to a private railway line. You can make the payment when exiting the station at Nakamura.

Question 3

What time do the courses start?

Accepted Answer

Typically, the workshops start at 9:00 a.m. and run until 4:00 p.m.

Question 4

What should I wear for my course?

Accepted Answer

The workshop provides some work clothing and safety gear, such as safety glasses, ear protection, aprons, and work smocks. Keep in mind that you will be working with machines and very hot metal, so please wear proper shoes and long pants.

Question 5

What about food?

Accepted Answer

For the one-day workshop, please bring your own lunch. Please note that the workshop is deep in the countryside, and the area has no shops, restaurants, or convenience stores.
The work until lunch time is very physical so please consider bringing enough food.

Question 6

What are the accommodation options?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to stay nearby the workshop and feel the local vibes of the area, our friend at Okera Adventures has a rustic but comfortable guesthouse you can stay at. If you're interested, please contact him at https://stay.okeraadventures.com/

If you would like to stay in a hotel, in a nearby town with a bit more to offer you have a few options at your disposal depending where you are traveling from.

If you are coming from Kochi City:
Nakamura (Shimanto City) is only a 30 minutes drive away from the workshop and has plenty of hotels to choose from. Hotel Sun River Shimanto is one of the most comfortable and affordable choices.

If you are coming from the Matsuyama:
Hotel Seira Shimanto in Ekawasaki is another option that's about 25 minutes away from the Workshop.

Both accommodations have options nearby to buy lunch.

Question 7

Can I take my knife home with me right after the course?

Accepted Answer

Knives won't be completed by the end of the workshop and will require shipping to a location of the customer's choosing. 
Note: You will essentially complete all the knife shaping and heat treatment by yourself, only we do the sharpening and polishing by ourselves in the days following the workshop to ensure you have a great knife to work with.

Question 8

Can I take home the tamahagane I make in the tamahagane-making workshop?

Accepted Answer

The tamahagane workshop produces sufficient tamahagane to create a single knife. Any excess steel leftover belongs to the workshop.

Question 9

Can I make a sword during my workshop?

Accepted Answer

No, we are not a licensed sword shop, so we cannot legally make any type of sword. Additionally, we can only make items used for cooking or camping.

Question 10

Can I use tamahagane steel for my knife?

Accepted Answer

Only tamahagane courses use tamahagane. One-knife courses do not use tamahagane .

Question 11

How many knives can I make for the one-day knife making course?

Accepted Answer

One.

Question 12

How many knives can I make for the tamahagane course?

Accepted Answer

Unless specified otherwise in advance, only one knife is included. Additional knives will incur an extra cost. Participants may not take home leftover material.

Frequently Asked Questions