Niigata · Metal casting & forging
Forge a Nail into a Letter Opener in Sanjo
Hammer, grind and polish your way into Sanjo’s metalworking tradition.
三条鍛冶道場 / Sanjo Kaji Dojo
What you will do
Draw out a nail, then grind and polish it into a letter opener with staff and volunteer instructors. This is the regular course, not the separately scheduled layered-steel workshop.
Time: About 30 minutes for one person; up to about 2 hours depending on the group.
Photo pending · View official photos ↗
Getting there
Three minutes on foot from JR Kita-Sanjo Station; about 10 minutes by car/taxi from Tsubame-Sanjo Station.
新潟県三条市元町11-53 / 11-53 Motomachi, Sanjo, Niigata
Route guidance, not live departures. Confirm the timetable for both directions.
Before you choose a date
Closures: Closed Mondays, shifting to the next weekday after a Monday public holiday. The annual 29 December–3 January closure joins adjacent Mondays: officially closed 28 December 2026–4 January 2027, reopening 5 January. Open 23 November 2026; closed 24 November.
Language: Course and safety information are published in English. English-language live instruction is not confirmed; request it beforehand if needed.
- For grade 4 and older, approximately age 10+. Capacity about 12. Confirm wheelchair-compatible participation and any physical accommodations before booking.
- Wear shoes covering toes and the top of the foot. Safety glasses, aprons and other protective items are supplied. In winter, use warm cotton/wool layers because bulky outerwear must be removed.
- Many November 2026 periods are reserved for schools; 21–23 and 28–29 November are forecast to be busy. An open day does not guarantee a place.
- Cancellation charges are unverified. The current non-resident fee is ¥2,200, rather than the ¥1,000 in older tourism listings. Check airline baggage rules before flying with the finished letter opener.
Plan your visit
Checked: 2026-11-06
Prices & timing
¥2,200 for participants from outside Sanjo; Sanjo residents ¥660.
About 30 minutes for one person; up to about 2 hours depending on the group.
Facility 09:00–17:00. Regular-course reception 09:00–11:00 and 13:00–15:30; may finish early when busy.
Booking & current availability
Normally no reservation is needed for up to 3 people, but private bookings can block participation. For the busy dates 21–23 and 28–29 November 2026, the operator recommends reserving even for small groups if arrival time is known. Reserve for 4+: contact at least 1 week ahead for 4–9, or 1 month for 11+. Ask early for exactly 10 because the published wording is unclear. Tel 0256-34-8080.
Official sources & photo status
- Official source 1 ↗
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No provider images are copied here. Location, capture date and reuse permission must be verified before adding a photo.
Check with the provider
Official experience information ↗An ordinary external link. We do not take bookings or guarantee availability.