• Tsubamesanjo Station - Meet the guide at Tsubamesanjo Station.
• Hocho-Kobo Tadafusa - Visit a knife factory, enjoy a factory tour, and shop for knives. Tadafusa is committed to preserving Sanjo’s blacksmithing techniques for future generations. Their knives are professional, user-friendly, and perfect for everyday use. At the “Hocho Kobo Tadafusa Factory Shop,” adjacent to the factory, a display features a knife on a cutting board, depicting daily use. In the shop, enjoy shopping while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of craftsmanship, with the sounds of artisans working in the nearby factory. Find the perfect knife to meet your needs. A visit will surely make you a fan of Tadafusa knives.
• SUWADA OPEN FACTORY - Established in 1926 in Sanjo City, a world-renowned cutlery manufacturing hub, Suwada specializes in cutters. Visitors can witness the entire manufacturing process, immersing themselves in the craftsmanship that has thrived since Suwada’s inception. Beyond the tour, enjoy the factory store, restaurant, and café for a full day of shopping and dining.
• Gyokusendo - Visit a copperware workshop and observe 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.
• Tsubame Industrial Museum - At Tsubame City Industrial History Museum, experience the history and technology of the craftsmen’s town “Niigata Prefecture Tsubame.” At the experience laboratory, mini spoon making and metal craft experiences are also available!
• Tsubamesanjo Regional Industries Promotion Center - The TSUBAMESANJO Regional Products Store is a renowned tourist shop where you can find a wide array of products made in “Tsubame-Sanjo,” Japan’s leading metalware production area. A vast selection of products, from those crafted with traditional techniques to those utilizing cutting-edge technology, is available. Displaying and selling about 10,000 items, including cutlery, knives, kitchen tools, pots, pans, and more. The Hand-Hammered metal craft, made using a copper plate, is particularly popular among international customers.
• High Grade Store - A place to experience authentic products. They primarily offer products made in Japan and Tsubame-Sanjo. Among them, they carefully select, display, and sell tools cherished by professionals.
• Yahiko Shrine Homotsuden - 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 claiming the title of ichinomiya of the former Echigo Province. This shrine, located at the foot of a mountain, is renowned as a power spot for love and good fortune.
• 燕三条Wing - Located on the 2nd floor of Tsubamesanjo Station, this is a perfect stop for souvenir shopping at the end of the tour before leaving Niigata. You can also purchase Tsubamesanjo’s quality goods.
• Tsubamesanjo Station - Tour concludes.

• Factory tour (Knife factory, Tadafusa and Gyokusen-do)
• Private Vehicle
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list’
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

• Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

In the early 17th century, blacksmithing was introduced to the Tsubame and Sanjo region in Niigata Prefecture, where artisans began crafting Japanese nails known as Wakugi. Today, this area has evolved into a hub for skilled metalsmiths. Visitors are warmly welcomed by artisans and can explore various factories. The tour includes a visit to the Tadafusa knife factory and the Gyokusendo copperware factory, both of which boast a rich history and offer an up-close view of their craftsmanship. Additionally, there are opportunities to explore more factories, museums, and shopping venues where the high-quality products of Tsubame Sanjo can be discovered.

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