Takefu Knife Village

Takefu Knife Village (タケフナイフビレッジ) in Echizen City is a captivating destination where centuries-old blacksmithing traditions come to life. Located about 20 kilometers south of Fukui City, this unique complex combines working forges, a knife museum, and retail spaces devoted to the art of bladesmithing. Its centerpiece is a striking cylindrical building, where visitors can observe artisans at work from an elevated platform while learning about the region’s forging history and techniques. Nearby, triangular-roofed buildings host interactive workshops, contemporary art exhibits, and a shop offering handcrafted kitchen knives, tools, and accessories made by local masters.

Echizen’s metalworking legacy dates back to the 14th century, when a traveling swordsmith began crafting sturdy farming tools for the local community. Over time, this practice evolved into a flourishing cutlery tradition, establishing Echizen as one of Japan’s premier knife-making centers. After a postwar decline, local artisans revived the craft by forming a cooperative and developing innovative designs, helping to restore the area’s global reputation for premium cutlery. Just a five-minute walk from the village is Manyo no Sato Ajimanoen, a serene botanical garden inspired by Japan’s oldest poetry anthology. It features seasonal blooms, traditional landscaping, and a historic thatched-roof farmhouse—offering a quiet counterpoint to the intense energy of the forge.