DISCOVER GIFU -Where supreme Japanese craftmanship lives on-

DISCOVER GIFU -Where supreme Japanese craftmanship lives on-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing has been thriving in Gifu Prefecture for a long period of its history.

Seki cutlery, Mino Washi paper, and woodwork from Hida are among the distinctive local industries found in Gifu. The expertise and pride of the craftsmen who have continued to make these exceptional products for ages are treasured to this day.


Seki Cutlery

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cutlery of Seki has a long history that dates back about 780 years ago. Having all essential elements for sword making, Seki had prospered as one of Japan’s major sword production areas. The history and tradition were passed down to the present day, and Seki is known as the largest cutlery production area in Japan for high quality knives and scissors today.

Asano Kajiya will offer you the opportunity to make a Japanese-style knife in the atelier of a genuine swordsmith. Asano Taro has been certified by the Japanese government as one of the few genuine Japanese swordsmiths. This is an activity where you can experience and learn the specifics of this traditional culture. After completing the work, you can take the Japanese-style knife you made home with you. You will use the same tools that are used for Japanese sword making when you forge the knife in the morning.

 


Mino Washi paper

 

 

 

 

 

With forest occupying more than 80% of the land, Gifu’s abundant resources and wealth of unique craftsmanship has resulted in a variety of wood products being produced in the region. Traditional techniques have been passed down through generations resulting in advanced carpenty skills that are used to make a wide range of wooden products today, from the finger-jointed masu boxes of Ogaki to the furniture of the Hida region.

The best place to go to learn all about the history of and production process behind Mino Washi, Mino Washi museum also informs about washi paper more generally, introducing many of the different kinds made throughout Japan. You can also make your own Mino Washi here and get a sense for how difficult it is to do it well.

 


Wood Craft

 

 

 

 

 

With forest occupying more than 80% of the land, Gifu’s abundant resources and wealth of unique craftsmanship has resulted in a variety of wood products being produced in the region. Traditional techniques have been passed down through generations resulting in advanced carpenty skills that are used to make a wide range of wooden products today, from the finger-jointed masu boxes of Ogaki to the furniture of the Hida region.

For over 60 years Ohashi Ryoki has been the leading manufacturer of traditional hand-crafted “Masu” boxes in Ogaki. Over 80% of all Masu boxes produced are made in Ogaki city, also a major manufacturing center of Hinoki lumber. Made from excess lumber that comes out of thinning, the Masu boxes are entirely environmentally friendly. Wake up every day to the hint of fresh evergreens in the air. Enjoy the crisp scent and smooth, soft touch of wood.


For more details about Gifu, please click here.

Suggested Itinerary : Traditional Japan (Gifu, Takayama and Shirakawago)

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