Tsubame Sanjo Factory Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Niigata Prefecture, Japan
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Duration6h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

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.

Options

Mini Van (Price for 6 pax)

Mini Van (Up to 6 pax)
Pickup included

Regular Car (For 2 people)

Regular Car
Pickup included

Minivan (For 4 people)

MiniVan
Pickup included

Regular Car (For 1 person)

Pickup included

What's included

  • 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.

What to expect

  1. Pass by
    Meet your guide at Tsubamesanjo station.
  2. 1h · Admission ticket included
    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. 1h 30m
    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. 30m · Admission ticket included
    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. 1h
    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. 30m
    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. 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. 30m
    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. 30m
    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. Pass by
    Tour finishes

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you in front of Shinkansen ticket gate in Tsubamesanjo station. Then walk to the vehicle to start a tour.

End point

Your guide will meet you in front of Shinkansen ticket gate in Tsubamesanjo station. Then walk to the vehicle to start a tour.

Additional information

  • 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
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
61,600.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Japan Guide Agency · Booked through Viator
More activities in Niigata Prefecture
From
61,600.00 JPY per person
Check availability