Seki Swordsmith Museum Workshop

Seki in Gifu Prefecture has been the center of Japanese bladesmithing for more than 700 years, ever since the swordsmith Kaneshige relocated here in the 14th century for its high-quality clay, charcoal, and clean river water. Today most of Japan's knives, scissors, and cutlery come from Seki, and the city's reputation for precision craftsmanship rivals Solingen in Germany. The Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum runs live forging demonstrations where smiths shape red-hot steel with hammers. Every October, the Cutlery Festival brings factory sales, demonstrations, and chances to meet master craftspeople. Factory outlets sell professional kitchen knives well below retail.