G. Sakai Knife Museum, Seki

The G. Sakai Knife Museum in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, showcases the legacy of one of Japan's most renowned cutlery manufacturing regions. Seki has earned its reputation as the "City of Cutlery", with craftsmanship traditions that trace back to the area's historical swordsmith heritage. The museum operates within the facilities of G. Sakai, a leading knife manufacturer that continues to produce high-performance blades under the prestigious "Made in Seki" designation.

The museum displays approximately 1,500 rare and valuable knives collected from around 30 different countries. Among its notable exhibits is the Gulliver's Special Knife, a five-meter-long blade that was once registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's longest knife. The collection demonstrates both the evolution of knife-making techniques worldwide and the exceptional quality that has made Japanese cutlery highly sought after by professional chefs and collectors.

Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collection and then visit the adjacent knife shop, which offers a wide variety of high-quality knives, with an outstanding selection of outdoor knives. The museum also provides hands-on workshops where participants can create their own knife and receive a personalized certificate inscribed in beautiful calligraphy by the shop owner, creating a meaningful keepsake from the experience.

The museum is located at 7-3 Hiraga-cho in Seki City and offers free admission. Visitors can contact the museum at 0575-24-2132 for inquiries. The location is accessible from major cities in the Gifu region, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in traditional Japanese craftsmanship and cutlery heritage.