Plan Your Next Japan Trip to Seki, the City of Swords

Seki City, known as the City of Swords, is a world-renowned hub for blade-making, blending centuries of tradition with modern craftsmanship. Located in Gifu Prefecture, Seki has been home to master swordsmiths for over 700 years, thanks to its ideal natural resources: pure water from the Nagara River, high-quality iron sand, and abundant pine charcoal. These elements provided the foundation for creating durable, razor-sharp blades that have evolved to meet the needs of every era.

Beyond its blade-making legacy, Seki City offers stunning natural landscapes and unforgettable culinary experiences. This article highlights tips for making your visit to Seki truly exceptional, from immersing yourself in its rich history to savoring its local delicacies.

Dive into Seki’s Blade Culture: Top Spots to Explore

1. Nosyudo: A Masterpiece of Iaito Sword Crafting
At Nosyudo, each iaito, mogito (practice sword), and sword is carefully made by skilled craftsmen using traditional methods.

In the past, there were no mogito for Iaido, so beginners often trained with wooden swords or real swords. The introduction of mogito helped spread Iaido.

For about 50 years as a specialized Iaido store, we have applied expert techniques and traditional methods to each sword, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship. Our mogito are trusted by many Iaido instructors and well-known figures.

The shop also displays and sells antique tsuba (sword guards) and other fittings, along with Japanese swords and Iaido attire. Visitors can often watch the crafting process up close—just ask the staff for more details! You can also purchase finished swords and practice swords (iaito). Some purchases may require additional procedures.

2. Fukuda Knife Industry: Innovations in Tungsten Carbide Knives
Founded over 129 years ago, Fukuda Knife Industry is a leader in industrial blade manufacturing and the first in Japan to mass-produce tungsten carbide knives. These knives boast unparalleled sharpness and durability, second only to diamonds. The KISEKI: knife series is a testament to this innovation. Take a factory tour to learn about the production process, test the knives’ cutting performance, or join a workshop to craft your very own pocket knife.

3. Make Your Custom Knife with Master Swordsmith Kanemasa Ono
Experience the rare opportunity to craft a custom knife with master swordsmith Kanemasa Ono. This hands-on workshop covers forging, sharpening, and handle-making, offering an in-depth look at the art of Japanese blades. The session includes English explanations from the master himself, making it an unforgettable cultural experience. Advance reservations are required, so send an email japan@thekatana.jp for details.

4. Cutler SANSYU / Seki Hamono Museum
At Seki Hamono Museum, immerse yourself in the art of Japanese swords and knives, witnessing sword forging up close—as close as one meter away—while discovering the craftsmanship behind Japanese blades. The exhibits here showcase the knife and sword-making processes, including masterpieces by the 25th and 26th-generation Kanefusa Fujiwara, available for purchase, alongside high-quality knives and blades. Don’t miss the Iaido demonstration, where a single, swift strike slices bamboo clean in half, highlighting both precision and incredible sharpness, and if you’re lucky, you may even hear firsthand stories from a master swordsmith.

Beyond hands-on blade-making experiences, Seki City is home to numerous knife manufacturers. Visitors can shop for high-quality blades and watch live demonstrations by skilled craftsmen. Many travelers who visit Seki quickly realize that a single day isn’t enough to fully explore everything the city has to offer – let’s dive into Seki’s culinary scene to make your stay even more memorable!

Savor the Best of Seki’s Cuisine: The Art of Unagi

Seki City is also a paradise for food lovers, with its unagi (eel) dishes standing out as a must-try. With over 15 specialty eel restaurants, including the 160-year-old “Tsujiya”, Seki is a destination for unagi enthusiasts. The city’s unagi is celebrated for its juicy, tender texture and rich flavor, prepared with a perfect balance of sweet and savory tare sauce, often grilled over charcoal.

Why is Unagi Famous in Seki?

1. A stamina boost for swordsmiths –
In the Kamakura period, swordsmiths in Seki often relied on unagi as a source of energy for their demanding work. Rich in zinc and vitamins, unagi is known in Japan as a food that revitalizes both mind and body.
2. Unique connection to Ukai (cormorant fishing)
– The traditional ukai fishing of the Nagara River features cormorants catching fish. Eels, however, were famously difficult for the birds to swallow, leading to the name “unagi” from “U ga nangi suru”, which translates to “cormorants struggling”). 

This deep historical connection underscores the cultural significance of unagi in Seki.

Savoring the Best Unagi in Seki City

In Seki City, unagi restaurants are home to skilled chefs who continuously refine their craft, competing to serve the best grilled eel. The signature style here is simple yet perfected—unagi glazed with a rich, sweet-savory sauce and grilled over charcoal. The result? A crispy, fragrant exterior with a soft, fluffy interior that melts in your mouth. Seki City is a must-visit destination for unagi lovers.

But unagi isn’t the only culinary highlight—Seki City is also home to soba restaurants, izakayas, international cuisine, cafes, and ramen shops. To make your stay even more enjoyable, we recommend checking out the cafes listed below. For more dining options or sightseeing information, feel free to ask the staff at Seki Terrace (Sekiterasu).

Immerse Yourself in Seki’s Natural Beauty

The breathtaking natural landscapes of Seki are a cornerstone of its charm. These locations allow visitors to experience the harmony of nature and culture that defines the city.

Nagara River Area
The Nagara River is a symbol of Seki, offering stunning views throughout the seasons. The riverbank is dotted with cozy cafes where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. From May 11 to October 15, visitors can see the traditional ukai fishing, one of Japan’s oldest cultural practices with over 1,000 years of history.

Itadori River and 21st Century Forest Park
The crystal-clear Itadori River is perfect for summer activities like camping and swimming, and its surrounding area is famous for delicious ayu (sweetfish) dishes. Nearby, the Kabusugi (clustered cedars) forest in the 21st Century Forest Park features ancient cedar trees, estimated to be 400–500 years old. Stroll along the walking paths and lose yourself in a magical, Ghibli-esque landscape.

Monet’s Pond
Named after the famous painter, Monet’s Pond is a must-see for photography enthusiasts. Its crystal-clear waters, water lilies, and gracefully swimming koi create a mesmerizing, painting-like scene. Adjacent to the pond is Nemichi Shrine, a serene spot surrounded by lush greenery where you can connect with Japan’s spiritual heritage. Before visiting, we recommend checking the official website (Monet’s Pond Information) for the latest pond conditions.

How to Get Around Seki
Seki City’s convenient location makes it an excellent addition to any Gifu travel itinerary. Whether you’re visiting nearby attractions like Gujo Hachiman, Shirakawa-go, or Hida Takayama, Seki is easily accessible as a day trip or a stop along your journey. If you’re exploring the central area of Seki City, rental bicycles are a convenient option. You can rent them at Seki City Terminal or Seki Terrace.
For visiting places like Monet’s Pond, hot springs, or making a stop on your way between Nagoya and Takayama, renting a car is recommended.

By Train
― From Nagoya
・JR or Meitetsu Nagoya Station → Gifu Station (35-30 minutes). Take a Gifu Bus (50 minutes) → Seki City Terminal → Walk 15 minutes to the Seki Terrace.
・JR Nagoya Station → Mino-Ota Station (70 minutes). Take the Nagaragawa Railway (20 minutes) → walk 1 minute to the Seki Terrace.

By Highway Bus
― From Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center
・Take a highway bus (80 minutes) → Seki City Terminal → Walk 15 minutes to the Seki Terrace.

Begin Your Journey at Seki Terrace
Seki City offers a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic Japanese experiences. Begin your journey at Seki Terrace, where you’ll find everything you need to explore the city’s rich heritage.

From the mesmerizing demonstrations at the Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum to the peaceful ambiance of Seki Zenkoō-ji Temple, every corner of Seki tells a story of tradition and innovation. Don’t forget to visit the Cutlery Hall to bring home a piece of Seki’s craftsmanship—a timeless reminder of your journey.

Stay connected with us on Instagram (@sekicityofswords) for travel inspiration and updates. We can’t wait to welcome you to Seki, the City of Swords, and share the pride of our centuries-old traditions with you!