Dive into the world of blacksmithing at Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo in Sanjo, a city long renowned for its iron crafts manufacturing.

Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo opened in 2005 as an experience facility aimed at introducing people to and promoting blacksmith techniques. The dojo offers three permanent courses—knife sharpening, Japanese nail making, and letter opener-making—as well as one-off courses throughout the year.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), blacksmithing flourished in Sanjo. Demand for farming tools grew in place of weapons needed in preceding eras. Also, since the area experienced damaging floods yearly, Sanjo invited Japanese nail craftsmen from Edo (Tokyo) to mentor farmers so they had another form of income when their fields were unusable. Thanks to this booming industry, the Echigo Sanjo Blacksmithing group was established, and today you can still experience these traditional techniques at Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo. The facility is home to a training room with desks, a projector, and broadcasting equipment, as well as a workshop full of electric and gas furnaces, water sharpeners, whetstones, and more for hands-on experiences.