Okuizumo tatara and sword museum

Okuizumo tatara and sword museum

Info

15-minute walk from JR Kinji Line Izumo Yokota Station
30 cars

Business Hours

9:30-17:00 (entry until 16:30)

Price

[Entrance fee]
・ Adult: 530 yen (410 yen)
・ Elementary and junior high school students: 260 yen (210 yen)

[Swordsmelting demonstration]
・ Adult: 1,270 yen (1,050 yen)
・ Elementary and junior high school students: 630 yen (530 yen)
* (Within) group fee

Spot Category

Museum, Science Museum, Museum, Other Experience Facilities

The Best Place to Learn About Traditional Tatara Ironmaking—Still Alive Today

Welcomed by a striking monument of Yamata-no-Orochi, the Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum is dedicated to the history and present-day practice of tatara ironmaking, a traditional Japanese technique that has been passed down through generations in Okuizumo Town.
Through panels and video displays, the museum introduces the Nittōhō Tatara, Japan’s only remaining operating tatara furnace, and showcases the production process of tamahagane, the high-quality steel used exclusively in Japanese swordmaking. One of the highlights is a life-size cross-sectional model of the underground facilities that support tatara operations. The sheer complexity and scale of this structure is truly impressive. The museum also exhibits authentic Japanese swords crafted by local swordsmiths of Okuizumo.
There are three different models of "fukisashi" (traditional bellows), and visitors can try them out for themselves, experiencing the hands-on role of a "banko"—the assistant responsible for maintaining airflow during the smelting process. Don’t miss the chance to take turns as a banko in the "kawari banko" experience!
In a separate building, the Japanese sword forging workshop hosts live demonstrations by local swordsmiths on the second Sunday and fourth Saturday of each month (subject to cancellation depending on conditions).

Copyright Shimane Prefectural Government and Shimane Tourism Federation All Rights Reserved.

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Notes

· We are available for inquiries 24 hours a day. Responses will be provided between 9:00 and 18:00 (including weekends, public holidays, and year-end/New Year holidays).
· Depending on the nature of your inquiry, it may take some time for us to respond.