NiigataTravel

Tojiro Open Factory (藤次郎オープンファクトリー)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Manufacturing introduction through history displays and hands-on workshops at the industrial museum

About 75 min from the previous stop

About 60 min here

About 30 min to the next stop

Next stop: Create a one-of-a-kind piece with a forging experience where sparks fly

About this spot

A factory tour facility of Tojiro, a leading blade manufacturer representing Tsubame, the knife-producing area. You can observe the manufacturing line through glass from a walkway, witnessing the entire process of a single knife—from steel forming through sharpening to handle attachment. The serious gaze and skilled handiwork of craftsmen as they hone blades is an unforgettable sight for factory tour enthusiasts. The adjacent Knife Gallery lets you handle and select knives firsthand, making it easy to take home a sharp blade as a souvenir.

Tips

Factory tours on weekdays when craftsmen are working are far more impressive. Check operating days and viewing hours in advance. Knives purchased at the gallery may offer name-engraving services. Keep small children close while touring.