Where the extravagant cutlery used at the Nobel Banquet is made—and you can forge your own metal
"Tsubame Sanjo" is a combination of the names of Tsubame City and Sanjo City, which were both famous for metal products since the Edo period. Although the streets are quiet, they are home to factories renowned for manufacturing Japanese-style nails, knives, tableware and more.
The Tsubame Sanjo area, especially Tsubame City, has been become renowned as a cutlery production area. In fact, the cutlery used at the Nobel Banquet every year is produced in Tsubame Sanjo in the area. In fact, the cutlery used at the Nobel Banquet is produced in the area. In fact, the cutlery used at the Nobel Banquet is produced in Tsubame Sanjo.
Don't Miss
- Making your own knife at Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo
- Visit a factory in the Tsubame Sanjo area to see the artisans at work
How to Get There
Tsubame Sanjo can be accessed by train or car.
Tsubame Sanjo is about two hours away from Tokyo on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Factories are located throughout the area, so walking or taking a taxi may be required at times. By car, you can reach Tsubame Sanjo by exiting at the Sanjo-Tsubame Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway.
Ancient techniques
The artisans in the area have produced various metal products by developing the technique of making Japanese-style nails in the early Edo period. Today, knives, tableware and other products are made by improving traditional techniques.
Make your own traditional Japanese-style nails at Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo
At Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo , you can make Japanese-style nails, which are said to be the origin of manufacturing in the area and are also stored in Ise Jingu shrine.
See craftsmanship at the factories
In the Tsubame Sanjo area there are factories where you can see first-hand the production of items such as kitchen knives and copperware. You can understand the high quality of the metal products made in the region through the high level of manufacturing technology. Seeing the artisans at work will make you want to try the products of Tsubame Sanjo.
* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.