In hotspots like Kyoto you sometimes have to queue for the queues, but escaping the country’s overtourism problem couldn’t be simpler ...

In total, 31 Japanese swords of various styles line ... The collection includes works of leading Bizen swordsmiths representing different periods, allowing experts to trace stylistic changes ...

Japanese sword making is a tradition that goes ... He was inspired by a sword made by the legendary 13th century swordsmith Masamune. And after a 5 year apprenticeship and years of training ...

including forging Japanese swords under the tutelage of a famous swordsmith, making sushi at a long-established sushi restaurant, and collecting food ingredients in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture ...

The traditional katana sword is fashioned only from the purest steel, which the Japanese call tamahagane ... The best pieces of tamahagane are sent to a swordsmith, who heats, hammers, and ...

The sword was pulled from the attic decades ago, but a recent ceremonial cleaning revealed it was a priceless heirloom from the 12th century.

The case back is as stylish as the front face—it has a large Japanese inscription that was carved on the surface by a katana swordsmith. Every single detail, from the case back to the bracelet ...

In this slide show, follow the steps that a master Japanese swordsmith takes today to craft what is arguably the most legendary of swords.—Rima Chaddha and Audrey Resutek ...