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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum
Visit Sakai to discover world-class knives and the best of Japan’s traditional industries
Sakai City
Home to the Mozu Mounded Tombs, which are part of the World Heritage Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, Sakai City in the southern part of Osaka Prefecture is renowned for its production of high-quality knives. Sakai’s metalworking tradition is said to stretch all the way back to the construction of the mounded tombs, between the 3rd and the 6th century, when blacksmiths gathered in Sakai and new techniques were developed. Since then, Sakai has flourished as a town of craftsmanship and trade, and numerous traditional industries, including incense sticks, chusen (hand-dyed cotton products), and Japanese sweets, still thrive to this day.
Reopened after renewal in March 2022, Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum, also known as Denshokan, is a comprehensive facility where visitors can see, experience, and learn about the traditional crafts of Sakai, with a focus on knife-making. The Sakai Knife Museum CUT on the second floor exhibits the history, techniques, and tools used in knife production, with plenty of models and illustrations on display. Don’t miss the HIBANA chandelier made from materials used in the knife-making process. The Takumi Exhibition on the same floor showcases the best of Sakai’s traditional industries.
The first-floor retail space, Takumi Shop, offers a varied range of knives for all sorts of uses, made from different materials with several types of handles. You are sure to find just the knife you need! Here you can also buy traditional products such as incense sticks and chusen fabrics, as well as seasonings, sake, and Japanese sweets, which will make perfect souvenirs for your family and friends.
How to get there
From Kansai International Airport, take the Nankai Airport Line to Sakai Station (about 30 minutes). Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum is about 15 minutes on foot from Sakai Station.
1-1-30 Zaimokucho-nishi, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka
