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Be exposed to Japan’s Craftsmanship at Tsubame Industrial Materials Museum
Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture
Tsubame City, only 2 hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train, has developed as a metalworking citysince the Edo period 400 years ago (1603-1867). In recent years, cutlery made in Tsubame has been used for the Nobel Banquet for its advanced features and quality. At the Tsubame Industrial Materials Museum, you can learn how the Tsubame metalwork industry developed back in the early Edo period. There are examples of masterpieces such as cutlery, kettles, and tsuiki copperware. There are not only buildings for exhibitions, but also a workshop where you are welcome to join and learn about Tsubame’s metalworks are made. Try making your own tumblers through hammering, a technique that has been handed down from one generation to another, or enjoy coloring titanium spoons through anodization. We also recommend attending the Open Factory, where visitors get a tour around the factories of Tsubame city. You will surely deepen your understanding of Tsubame’s craftsmanship after visiting the museum. Make sure to grab a copy of the Tsubamesanjo Open Factory Guide available in the museum.
How to get there
Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Tsubamesanjo Station (about 1 hour 50 minutes). From there, walk about 30 minutes to the Tsubame City Industrial Materials Museum.
4330-1 Omagari, Tsubame-shi, Niigata-ken
