Calling all aspiring home chefs! Sharpen your skills and give your knives a new lease on life at this beginner-friendly workshop in the heart of Kyoto. Led by expert guides, you’ll learn essential knife maintenance techniques in an intimate setting, ensuring personalized attention for just three participants. Priced affordably, this hands-on experience equips you with the knowledge to keep your blades in top condition. But that’s not all – discover the art of handle fitting and even snag some new knives to take home. Intrigued? Read on to uncover more about this unique cultural experience.
Key Points

- A beginner-friendly workshop in Kyoto, Japan that teaches knife sharpening and handle fitting techniques with personalized attention for up to 3 travelers.
- Affordable price of $167.96 per person, including the knife and handle fee, gloves, work clothes, and an English-speaking guide.
- Opportunity to purchase extra knives ranging from 10,000-50,000 JPY and handle types for an additional 3,000-9,000 JPY.
- Conveniently located in the historic TERAMACHI district, with on-site restrooms and easy access to public transportation.
- Suitable for both seasoned chefs and home cooks, providing a unique learning experience in the art of blade maintenance.
Workshop Overview

This beginner-friendly knife sharpening and handle fitting workshop takes place in Kyoto, Japan.
It’s limited to just 3 travelers, ensuring personalized attention. At $167.96 per person, the price is reasonable, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
The workshop includes the knife and handle fee, as well as gloves, work clothes, and an English-speaking guide. For those wanting to buy an extra knife, options range from 10,000-50,000 JPY.
While not wheelchair accessible, the location is near public transport.
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Location and Participant Details

The knife sharpening workshop takes place in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan.
Situated in the Japanese knife shop HIRAI on the first floor of the My Only Fragrance building, the workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of blade maintenance.
With a maximum of 3 travelers, the intimate setting ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable instructors.
The affordable price of $167.96 per person makes this workshop accessible, and the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior provides flexibility.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this beginner-friendly experience isn’t to be missed.
Meeting and End Point

The workshop meeting point is at My Only Fragrance, located in the TERAMACHI district of Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward. The landmark is the Japanese knife shop HIRAI on the first floor. Participants will meet here and then begin their hands-on experience.
| Meeting Point | End Point |
|---|---|
| My Only Fragrance | Back at the meeting point |
| TERAMACHI, Kyoto | – |
| Nakagyo Ward | – |
| 245 MP Bldg, 1F | – |
| Japanese knife shop HIRAI | – |
After the workshop, you will return to the starting point, having gained new knife sharpening and handle fitting skills.
Inclusions and Fees

The workshop includes the knife and handle fee, as well as the workshop fee.
Participants will receive work gloves, a package, working clothes, and an apron. An English guide is available to assist throughout the experience.
For those interested in purchasing an extra knife, the cost ranges from 10,000 to 50,000 JPY. Plus, participants can choose other handle types, excluding magnolia, for an additional 3,000 to 9,000 JPY.
The workshop offers a hands-on, beginner-friendly opportunity to learn the art of knife sharpening and handle fitting in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan.
Accessibility and Additional Information

Though not wheelchair accessible, the knife sharpening workshop is conveniently located near public transportation.
Travelers can easily reach the meeting point. While the activity isn’t recommended for those with back problems, participants of all skill levels are welcome.
Restrooms are available on-site. The workshop provides necessary safety gear like work gloves and aprons.
Plus, there’s an option to purchase additional knives for 10,000-50,000 JPY or select other handle types for 3,000-9,000 JPY.
With a maximum of 3 travelers, the hands-on experience promises personalized guidance from the knowledgeable instructors.
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Workshop Experience

As participants arrive at the meeting point, they’re greeted by the knowledgeable instructors who lead the beginner-friendly knife sharpening and handle fitting workshop. The hands-on experience begins as the group is ushered into the Japanese knife shop, HIRAI. There, they don protective gear and dive into sharpening their own knives, guided by the experts. Afterward, they select custom handles, carefully fitting them to their freshly sharpened blades. The workshop culminates with each participant leaving with a personalized, high-quality knife ready for use in the kitchen.
| Workshop Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Hands-On Training | Participants actively sharpen their own knives and fit custom handles. |
| Expert Guidance | Knowledgeable instructors provide step-by-step instructions and support. |
| Personalized Knives | Each participant creates a unique, high-quality knife tailored to their needs. |
| Inclusive Experience | The beginner-friendly workshop accommodates all skill levels. |
| Convenient Location | The workshop takes place in a renowned Japanese knife shop in Kyoto. |
Participant Feedback

Participants rave about the exceptional guidance and immersive experience provided by the workshop.
They appreciate the knowledgeable instructors who offer step-by-step instructions, ensuring participants feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
The hands-on nature of sharpening their own knives and fitting custom handles is particularly engaging.
Travelers leave the workshop with a newfound appreciation for the art of knife making and the skills required to maintain their tools.
The personalized attention and small class size contribute to an overall positive and enriching experience that participants highly recommend to others seeking a unique culture in Kyoto.
Getting to the Workshop

How does one get to the knife sharpening workshop in Kyoto?
The meeting point is at My Only Fragrance, a building located in the TERAMACHI neighborhood. Look for the Japanese knife shop HIRAI on the first floor – that’s the landmark.
The workshop takes place right there, ending back at the same meeting point. It’s easily accessible via public transportation, though not recommended for those with back problems.
With a maximum of 3 travelers, this intimate, beginner-friendly experience offers hands-on guidance from knowledgeable instructors in the heart of Kyoto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Knife to the Workshop?
Yes, you can bring your own knife to the workshop. The workshop provides all necessary materials, but if you have a special knife you’d like to work on, you’re welcome to bring it along.
Do I Need to Have Any Prior Experience in Knife Sharpening?
No prior knife sharpening experience is required for this workshop. It’s designed for beginners, with the instructor providing hands-on guidance throughout the session. All necessary tools and materials are provided, so you can learn the skills from scratch.
What Type of Knives Are Available for Purchase?
According to the information provided, participants can purchase extra knives ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 JPY. The workshop also offers the option to choose other handle types, excluding magnolia, for an additional 3,000 to 9,000 JPY.
Can I Customize the Handle Material Beyond the Options Provided?
Yes, you can customize the handle material beyond the provided options. For an additional fee of 3,000-9,000 JPY, you can choose other handle types, excluding magnolia. This allows you to personalize your knife to your preferences.
Is There a Dress Code for the Workshop?
There’s no strict dress code, but participants should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty. The workshop provides aprons, so you don’t need to worry about protecting your own attire.
The Sum Up
The Knife Sharpening and Handle Fitting Workshop in Kyoto is a unique opportunity for beginners to learn essential knife maintenance skills from expert guides. With personalized instruction and all materials provided, participants can enhance their culinary skills and enjoy a cultural experience in an intimate setting at the HIRAI Japanese knife shop. Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your knives and your kitchen know-how.
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