[Tsubame-Sanjo, the town of craftsmen] The trip you can make your own frying pan, cultivating a tool that will last a lifetime

• Table of Contents
• KRaft Tour
• KONDO FACTORY
• Village Blacksmith SHOP

KRaft Tour

Tsubamesanjo, located in the center of the prefecture, has long flourished as a "town of manufacturing." It has inherited traditional techniques from the Edo period and is a hub for metalworking, with a diverse range of techniques not found anywhere else in the world. It is a place that continues to make products essential to daily life, such as work tools, blades, and Western-style tableware.

This tour takes you to historic factories and local spots that are usually off-limits to the public, and only a local tour guide can take you there. The trip starts at the former Sanjo Bussan warehouse, the symbol of the KRaft Tour.

You ride high-performance electric assist bikes (e-bike) to the factory from the warehouse. The helmet is equipped with a speaker and microphone, so that you can talk to the guide while riding the bikes.

While riding the e-bikes, you can enjoy the leisurely flow of everyday scenery, such as the iron bridges and railroad crossings over the Shinano River.

KRaft Tour: https://kraft-ts.jp/

KONDO FACTORY

The workshop is held at KONDO FACTORY, a blacksmith shop that specializes in the manufacture of hoes. It has been in business for over 150 years since its founding as a “Nokaji”. “Nokaji” is a profession that has existed since the Edo period, and as opposed to swordsmiths who specialize in making Japanese swords, they make tools closely related to people's daily lives, such as kitchen knives and agricultural equipment.

Under the guidance of Takahiko Kondo, a modern-day blacksmith and sixth-generation owner of the factory, we tried our hand at making our own original iron frying pan.

Making an iron frying pan starts with hammering a round iron plate. After Mr. Kondo explained the process to Manuel, his eyes lit up and he said, "It's like Iron Man!"

The main process of making frying pans is forging. A piece of iron plate is heated in a furnace and then hammered to form the shape.

The depth is achieved by repeatedly heating and hammering, while gradually creating a curve.

The form varies depending on how it is hammered and how it is curved, so the maker's personality is apparent in the form.

"I'm amazed that it takes so long to make this!" said Natalie in surprise. We were able to get a glimpse of the dedication and effort of the craftsmen who painstakingly create each item.

Once the forming is complete, the next step is grinding. A grinder is used to grind the edges of the iron plate to shape it.

They adjust the shape to the millimeter so that there are no uneven surfaces.

Once the grinding is complete, the handle is attached. The screw holes are welded and rivets are attached.

Once the handle is attached, the inner sole is polished and the surface is seasoned by applying oil, and then the knives are finally complete.

You can experience the entire process from forging to polishing and attaching a handle to create your original iron pan. By experiencing the passion and attention to detail of the craftsmen who painstakingly create the pan, you will naturally feel the desire to take good care of it and use it for a long time.

"When I realize how much work goes into making tools by hand, I feel even more grateful," Natalie said. Mr. Kondo also praised the efforts of Natalie and Manuell.

KONDO FACTORY : https://kuwakaji.com/

Village Blacksmith SHOP

Tsubamesanjo is known as a mecca for outdoor activities. We headed to Mura no Kajiya SHOP , which handles the popular outdoor brand "Mura no Kajiya," with the completed frying pan.

You can try out a variety of experiences, such as trying out knives made from products from the Tsubame-Sanjo region, brewing coffee, and chopping firewood with an axe or hatchet.

On this day, we borrowed the shop's yard and held a BBQ using the newly completed frying pans and locally made ingredients.

An iron pan that can be used on both direct heat and induction. Shitada pork steak, which is characterized by its tender meat and sweet fat, is cooked over a bonfire.

Cooking in an iron frying pan with high thermal conductivity allows the meat to be cooked until it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without losing its flavor. "It's tender and delicious!" The two commented with satisfaction.

The unique enjoyment of this tour is that you can experience both the "technology of creation" and the "life of using."

Village Blacksmith SHOP : https://www.yamac.co.jp/shop/

A unique journey not found in guidebooks

"I think I'll feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction every time I use this frying pan every morning."

"It has become one of my most important kitchen items!" said Manuwel and Natalie.

One of the joys of using an iron frying pan is that the more you use it, the more it becomes comfortable in your hand and the more character it develops.

Let’s go on the journey of making your very own frying pan, creating a tool that will last a lifetime?

KRaft Tour

955-0851 1-16-22 Nishiyokkamachi, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture

This is the base of KRaft Tour, which operates a manufacturing experience tour business in Tsubame-Sanjo. The large vacant storehouse, built...