Seki

Seki

Seki is a city in central Gifu Prefecture, located in the central part of Japan’s Chubu region along the middle reaches of the Nagara River. It serves as a cultural crossroads between eastern and western Japan and was established as a municipality in 2005. Known as a renowned production center for bladed tools, Seki has a long tradition of knife-making dating back to the Kamakura period. During the Warring States period, the majority of Japan’s blades were produced here, with “Seki no Magoroku” being a famous Seki swordsmith.

Seki is Japan’s top producer of high-quality blades, and its outstanding traditional craftsmanship continues to be carried on by today’s swordsmiths and cutlery industry. Nowadays, Seki is one of the world’s foremost centers for knife manufacturing and enjoys international fame. The annual Blade Festival is held on the weekend of the second week in October, where visitors can witness live demonstrations of traditional Japanese sword forging and scabbard-making techniques. In addition, tourists can explore the Gifu Prefectural Museum, Seki Enkūkan, Gifu Modern Art Museum, Seki City Toshiko Takaezu Art Space, Gifu Prefectural Cutlery Hall, and Seki Forging Heritage Museum.

Seki

Must-visit reason: Japan’s top producer of high-quality blades

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/State where the attraction is located: Gifu Prefecture [Gifu Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Seki [Seki]