Tsubame Sanjo Factory Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Blacksmith was brought to Tsubame and Sanjo area in Niigata prefecture in the early 17th century, started producing Japanese nails called Wakugi. This area now became an artisan metalsmiths town. You can visit some of those factories, artisans welcome you. In this tour, you will visit Knife factory, Tadafusa and coppenwear factory, Gyokusendo. Both has a long history and you can see their work very closely. You can also visit more factory, Museum or shopping spots where you can find the Tsubame Sanjo quality products.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Pass by

   Meet your guide at Tsubamesanjo station.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   1 hour

   Visiting a knife factory, enjoy factory tour and knife shopping. Tadafusa is striving to pass on Sanjo's blacksmithing techniques to future generations. Their knives are professional knives that is easy to use and suitable for everyday life. At the "Hocho Kobo Tadafusa Factory Shop,'' next to the factory, there is a display showing a knife on a cutting board, expressing the scene of daily use. In the shop, you can enjoy shopping while experiencing the lively atmosphere of craftsmanship, as the sounds of artisans working in the adjacent factory flow through. Find the one that meet your needs. Visiting there, you will become a fan of Tadafusa knives.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   1.5 hours

   Suwada was established in 1926 in Sanjo City, one of the world’s most renowned cutlery manufacturing hubs, and is a specialist in cutters. Visitors are invited to witness the entire manufacturing process, immersing themselves in the craftsmanship that has endured since Suwada’s inception. Beyond the tour, you can enjoy the factory store, restaurant, and café for a full day of shopping and dining.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min

   Visiting copperware workshop. You can closely see their crafting process at their 100-year-old factory. For around 200 years, Gyokusendo has been dedicated to crafting hand-hammered copperware. Gyokusendo offers a diverse range of products that seamlessly complement contemporary living, including teaware, sake ware, kettles, coffee ware, and flower vases.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   1 hour

   At Tsubame City Industrial History Museum, feel the history and technology of the craftsmen ’s town “Niigata Prefecture Tsubame” to experience! At the experience laboratory, mini spoon making, metal craft experience is also possible!

6. 6

   Stop 6

   30 min

   The TSUBAMESANJO Regional Products Store is a famous tourist shop where you can find plenty of products made in “Tsubame-Sanjo”, Japan’s No.1 metalware production area. A wide range of products, from produced made by traditional craftsmanship to those making full use of state-of-the-art technology. Displaying and selling about 10,000 items of cutlery, knives, kitchen tools, pots, pans, and others. Particularly, the Hand-Hammered metal craft manufactured by using a copper plate is extremely popular among customers from abroad.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   A place where you can touch the real thing They mainly carry products made in Japan and Tsubame-Sanjo. Among them, they carefully select and display and sell tools that are loved by professionals.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   30 min

   Yahiko jinja (弥彦神社), also known as Iyahiko-jinja is a Shinto shrine in the Yahiko neighborhood of the village of Yahiko, Nishikanbara District, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the three shrines which claim the title of ichinomiya of former Echigo Province. This shrine standing at the foot of a mountain is popularly known as a power spot for love and good fortune

9. 9

   Stop 9

   30 min

   It is located on the 2nd floor of Tsubamesanjo station. You can stop here for souvenir shopping at the end of the tour before leaving Niigata. You can buy Tsubamesanjo's quality goods too.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    Pass by

    Tour finishes

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.