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.

Return to Shimane Home>>

Related Spots

Eshima Ohashi (Steeply-sloped bridge)

It was used as the subject of a television commercial for a famous car as "Betta Tritosaka", and became famous as the common name "Betta Tritosaka" because of its steep slope. The top reaches a height of about 45m, making it Japan's most concrete girder bridge.

Shimane Arts and Cultural Center-Grantwa

It is a complex of museums and theaters that has become one, and is a complex arts and cultural center representing the western part of Shimane Prefecture, consisting of the Shimane Prefectural Ishimi Museum and the Shimane Prefectural Iwami Art Theater. The facility where museums and theaters have become one is rare nationwide.

YUUSHIEN

A Japanese garden that is fascinated by the 30,000-wheel Ikeizumi peony and Japanese illuminations This is an authentic Japanese garden located on the Ōno Island floating on Nakaumi, famous for peony flowers and ginseng.

Gozenyu

A public bath located in the ancient Yufuku Onsen, which has a history of over 1370 years. The public bath, said to have been used by the lords of the Tsuwano and Hamada clans, originated from the Fuku no Yu, which was renamed in the early Showa period. The Taisho Roman-style architecture of the exterior and interior is quite nostalgic. The tiled bath area also has a retro atmosphere. There are also private family baths available. The pleasant texture of the hot spring water is an alkaline simple spring that is colorless and transparent.

Mount Atago Park

Swans swimming in the waterfowl pond, along with deer, donkeys, and goats leisurely spending time in the animal square, as well as ponies and giant rabbits that have newly joined. You can also feed them if you bring vegetables like carrots and cabbage (details should be checked on the official website, sales are also available). From the mountaintop observation deck, you can see landscapes such as Mount Daisen. The charm of enjoying about 600 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, and trees and flowers of autumn leaves throughout the seasons is also appealing. Let's fully enjoy playing and moving our bodies in the children's square equipped with playground equipment like slides.

Kiyomizu Temple

用明天皇2年(587)、尊隆[そんりゅう]上人開基の天台宗寺院。山陰有数の巨刹で最盛期には僧坊48を数えたが、尼子・毛利の戦火に遭い本堂のみを残し焼失。その後松江藩の庇護を受け、現在の伽藍に復興した。境内には室町様式を残した光明閣庭園、多くの文化財を収める宝物館、明徳4年(1393)建立の根本堂(重要文化財)、安政6年(1859)に建立された山陰唯一の三重塔がそびえる。秋の紅葉時期は特に美しい。出雲国神仏霊場11番。中国観音霊場28番。出雲観音霊場21番。座禅体験・写経体験(共に1000円、要予約)も可能。

Contact Us: Business & Personal Inquiries

By proceeding, you agree to our Terms of Use And confirm you have read our Privacy Policy .

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.

RURUBU & ALL WAY JAPAN
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.