Manyo Blacksmith Hut of Kajiya Village

OVERVIEW

A Journey Through Japan’s Blacksmithing Legacy of the Sengoku Era

**IMPORTANT NOTE**
This area is a residential community. Please be considerate by keeping voices down, staying off private property, and not littering.

Tucked in a tranquil valley of the Kusano River, Kajiyacho stands as a village with a deep-rooted blacksmithing heritage that dates back to medieval Japan. Under the rule of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a prominent historic figure who once governed the Nagahama area, Kajiyacho became a crucial center for producing armor and spears during the turbulent Sengoku (or Warring States) era. The village’s exceptional skill was showcased in the ‘Kusano-yari’ spears, renowned for their battlefield efficacy. As history progressed into the modern era, the focus shifted to crafting agricultural tools, leading to the emergence of nearly 100 thriving workshops. However, by the 1950s, the blacksmithing industry had significantly declined, with Man’yo Kajiya Koya” standing as the only remaining workshop, now cherished as a municipal tangible folk cultural property.

Visitors are required to make prior reservations to explore this historical site. Kajiyacho offers unique, hands-on blacksmith experiences led by local experts, providing a glimpse into the village’s rich cultural legacy. For more information and to plan your visit, please use the contact form on this website.