(Article) Gastronomy Tour in Seki City , Gifu Prefecture | An Exquisite Day Tour of Cutlery Craftsmanship and Food Culture

The ultimate gastronomic experience combining cutlery and food

Cutlery has supported Japan's food culture behind the scenes. We introduce a one-day premium tour to experience the deep relationship between craftsmanship and food in Seki City , Gifu Prefecture , where cutting-edge techniques live on.

In the morning, experience the craftsmanship at the world's only cemented carbide knife factory and create your own knife. In the afternoon, learn about the history of knives that contain the soul of artisans, and enjoy the food culture of Seki City with wild game dishes.

A special experience that can only be had on this tour awaits you.

• Table of Contents
• Seki City , Gifu Prefecture | History and culture woven in the town of cutlery
• Timetable and experience details

Three attractions of the tour

(1) Visit the world's only manufacturing site and see the manufacturing process at the KISEKI knife factory, which is not open to the public. You can actually experience the amazing sharpness produced by the special material, cemented carbide.

(2) Fusion of traditional culture and innovative technology : Seki City 's blade culture continues to evolve with cutting-edge technology while inheriting the 700-year-old tradition of Japanese swordsmithing. You can experience the story of its historical depth and technological innovation.

(3) A dining experience that uses all five senses. Sharpness changes the taste of food. Experience this truth with Hida beef sukiyaki and wild game French cuisine. It's a luxurious time to experience the deep relationship between knives and food with your tongue.

Seki City , Gifu Prefecture | History and culture woven in the town of cutlery

Located in the Chuo of Gifu Prefecture , Seki City , about an hour's drive from Nagoya Station, is known as a cutlery production center with a history of over 700 years.

The tradition of Japanese swordsmithing, which dates back to the Kamakura period, has developed into the modern cutlery industry, producing knives, scissors, etc. Seki cutlery, known for its "unbreakable, unbendable, and sharp cutting edge," is loved all over the world.

The Nagara River and Itadori River that flow through Seki City are some of the cleanest rivers in Japan, and the city is home to a unique food culture that combines ingredients such as sweetfish, which are raised in this rich water, with the culture of cutlery.

Timetable and experience details

We passed through the gates of Fukuda Cutlery Industry's headquarters and gathered in front of the red door, marking the start of a special day.

Unlocking the secrets of cemented carbide

First, learn about the history of cemented carbide and the KISEKI brand through a video, and get an overview of the unique manufacturing technology in the world.

Next, participants actually picked up the knife and experienced its sharpness. They cheered in amazement at the feeling of it smoothly cutting through paper and tomatoes.

Feel the breath of the manufacturing site

Cutting out the cemented carbide, processing the wooden handle at the machine center, sharpening the blade, and quality inspection. You can observe each process with explanations from the craftsmen, and some of them can be experienced for yourself.

You can also test the sharpness of the knife using vegetables and try sharpening it with a special whetstone. This is a valuable opportunity to learn directly from a professional how to use a knife that you can use for a long time.

Create a one-of-a-kind treasure

Choose your favorite wooden handle from high-quality wood produced in Gifu Prefecture. One of the joys of this experience is taking your time to carefully choose the handle, checking how it feels in your hand.

Using a traditional branding iron, you can engrave a name, initials, or anniversary on the wooden handle. Our craftsmen will provide thorough instruction, so even first-timers can work with confidence.

Once you've completed the knife, which will be fitted with a carbide alloy blade, you can take it home with you. It's both practical and beautiful, making it a treasured memento of your trip.

The blissful taste of meat cut by a KISEKI knife

Enter a charming space renovated from an old house that is over 100 years old, where historic architectural beauty and modern cuisine combine.

The main dish is miso sukiyaki made with A5-rank Hida beef, sliced ​​with a KISEKI knife. The sharp blade does not crush the meat fibers, bringing out the maximum flavor.

We also offer salads made with fresh vegetables delivered directly from local farms, cut with a carbide knife. Please enjoy the difference in texture compared to that cut with a regular knife.

Deepening understanding through conversation with the proprietress

Through conversation with the proprietress, you will learn about the deep relationship between knives and food. How the way ingredients are cut affects their flavor, and traditional cooking techniques. Listening to such stories while eating is an exceptional experience.

We move to our next destination for the afternoon program, where we take a short break to regain our energy.

Shopping at Sanshu Cutlery

At the direct sales store, which stocks a wide range of cutlery products, you can purchase knives, scissors, and other items at special prices. Find your favorite as a souvenir of your trip or as a practical item. You can also learn about how cutlery has supported the delicacy of Japanese cuisine, and how the variety of knife types and uses has contributed to the development of Japanese food culture through expert commentary from a local guide, gaining knowledge that you won't get on a regular tour.

Enjoy the bounty of nature in Seki City through game meat

The tour comes to a close in a secluded space just off the main street.

Owner-chef Tatsuhiko Sato, a licensed hunter, creates a variety of wild game dishes using locally caught game, such as bear, deer, and duck, which he uses French techniques to elevate the rich flavors of.

Deepening understanding through interaction with the master

Through conversation with the chef, you can learn about the deep relationship between wild game and other ingredients. From the hunting scene to the preparation of ingredients and cooking methods, listening to his stories combined with French cooking techniques while dining will be an unforgettable experience.

Wine pairing (optional)

Our sommelier has carefully selected over 100 French and Italian wines to choose from, and we hope you will enjoy the perfect pairing with your game dishes.

After a fulfilling seven hours, we headed to our next destination, with memories of a special day that stimulated all five senses in our hearts.

For those with time, we also recommend the experience of cooking sweetfish, which are raised in the clear streams.

Experience the local traditional sweetfish cuisine culture at the Ayukawa or Itadorigawa Horodo Tourist Yana. Learn about the rich ecosystem and environmental conservation of the Nagara River and Itadorigawa River, and each participant will sample one fresh, salt-grilled sweetfish.

During the summer, you can also observe the traditional Japanese fishing method of "yanagyo" (fishing with ayu). The sight of the sweetfish dancing in the powerful spray of the water is a spectacular sight.

The experiences change with the seasons, so you'll discover something new every time you visit.

Adults (junior high school students and above): 40,000 yen and up per person Children (elementary school students): 30,000 yen and up per person Single participant: 50,000 yen and up (negotiable) Minimum number of participants: 2 people

KISEKI factory tour and experience fee (all processes) Original pocket knife production (materials included) Hida beef miso sukiyaki lunch (traditional Japanese restaurant "Hana") Seki Blacksmith Heritage Museum and Cutlery Hall admission fee Game French cuisine guide fee

Period: April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026 Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (excluding public holidays) Duration: 7 hours (10:30-17:00)

Reservation deadline: 7 days before the event date Cancellation fee: Up to 7 days before: Free Cancellation fee 2-6 days before: 30% of the fee The day before: 50% of the fee On the day or no-show: 100% of the fee

Please wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking around the factory (heels are not permitted). Shoes are strictly prohibited in the workshop venue, and there are stairs. Doburoku and sake tasting is only available to those aged 20 and over. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for those driving. Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions when booking. The pocket knife you make cannot be brought on board (it must be checked in).

A special day weaving together the craftsmanship of bladesmiths and food culture. From a one-of-a-kind factory experience, to the blessings of clear streams and traditional fermentation culture.

Experiences that can only be had in Seki City will make your trip to Japan an unforgettable one.

See, touch, smell, hear, taste. A trip that stimulates the five senses offers the value of an "experience" that goes beyond mere "sightseeing."

One of the great attractions of this tour is the opportunity to learn more about the thoughts and philosophies of artisans and producers through direct interaction with them.

On your next trip to Japan, head to Seki City , Gifu Prefecture . Experience the story of cutlery and food with your own five senses.