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Sanjo

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Sanjo, Manufacturing city in Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Description

Sanjo is a city in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, known for its metalworking industry. It sits between two rivers in a flat region where residential neighborhoods and factory buildings stand side by side

History

Blacksmiths from Edo came here in the 17th century and taught locals how to make nails. The region shifted from a farming area into a center of metalwork

Culture

Workshops line the streets with low buildings and rolling doors where sparks often fly from the forges inside. Knife smiths hold demonstrations and show visitors the techniques of tempering and sharpening

Practical

The city sits about two hours by high-speed train from Tokyo and makes a good day trip. Workshops open mostly on weekdays, and some offer tours by appointment

Did you know?

A festival in October opens workshops to the public and lets visitors watch kitchen knives and scissors being made. Craftsmen explain how they forge shapes and polish blades

Inception
April 1, 1889
Reference
152048
Shares border with
Niigata, Kamo, Gosen, Tsubame, Uonuma, Mitsuke, Nagaoka, Aga, Tadami
GPS coordinates
37.63678,138.96167
Latest update
December 13, 2025 18:08

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Niigata Prefecture).

« Sanjo - Manufacturing city in Niigata Prefecture, Japan » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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