Okuizumo Historic Tour - Learn the Art of Tatara Ironmaking & Sword Crafting
Highlights
- Explore Okuizumo's rich tatara iron heritage with an expert guide
- Step into the historic Sakurai residence and garden, home of renowned iron craftsmen in Okuizumo.
- Visit Sugaya Tatara, a preserved tatara iron making site and an inspiration for Princess Mononoke.
- Marvel at Okuizumo's terraced rice fields, a testament to sustainable agriculture
- Enjoy a seamless journey with optional drop-off at Izumo Enmusubi Airport
What to expect
Uncover the secrets of tatara iron making, pivotal in the creation of samurai swords, on a journey through Okuizumo. Explore historical sites and the real-life inspiration for the enchanting world of Princess Mononoke.
What's included
- Tea
About this experience
Schedule
- —Gather at Matsue Station
- —Meet with GuideYour adventure starts with an exclusive guide leading the way in a chartered taxi, ensuring a seamless journey. A small taxi provides a snug fit for one or two guests, whereas a jumbo taxi offers ample room for larger groups.
- —Okuizumo Tatara and Sword MuseumPerched on a scenic hill, the museum showcases tatara iron making's crucial role in crafting Japanese swords. It features a detailed tatara model, built from actual materials, revealing its intricate structure. Live demonstrations of sword forging are also held twice a month.
- —Discover TamahaganeLearn about "tamahagane," the rare steel behind Japanese swords that can only be made in small quantities at Tatara Steel. Understand how its meticulous folding and forging process enhances durability, sharpness, and yields stunning patterns, embodying the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
- —Optional Japanese sword forging demonstration available (*additional fee)On the 2nd Sunday and 4th Saturday of every month (10:00, 13:00), you can watch Japanese sword forging demonstrations by swordsmith Kobayashi.
*An additional fee (740 yen per person) will be charged. Please pay in cash on site. - —Fukuyori Rice TerracesClimbing up the slope behind the houses in Fukuyori Village, you'll find terraced rice fields that stretch across what was once a mountaintop. The view of the rice terraces from the observation deck is spectacular!
- —Soba Noodle LunchDine on freshly-made soba noodles at a quaint shop nestled in Inada Shrine, dedicated to the mythic Princess Inada. The soba is crafted from "Yokota soba," a native Okuizumo grain, ground with a traditional stone mill for authentic flavor.
- —Kabeya Shuseikan Sakurai FamilyExplore the 1738 home of the Sakurai family, key ironsmiths in Matsue, now a cultural landmark. Adjacent, the Shuseikan museum displays their arts, crafts, and tatara iron making documents, preserving centuries of craftsmanship.
- —Sugaya Tatara SannaiDiscover the only remaining "takadono" in Japan, nestled in the historical Sannai area. This iconic workshop, with its central furnace and square layout, is a living museum of the tatara iron working process, complete with bellows, iron-sand, and charcoal storage areas.
- —Disband at Matsue Station or Izumo Airport
Location and Directions
Check-in / Check-out
Matsue Station
MATSUE STATION, Asahimachi, Matsue, Shimane, Japan
Similar products
restriction
- Please check the travel conditions before participating.
https://www.veltra.com/jp/tr/jouken_packagedtour - Please check the Standard Travel Agency Terms and Conditions before participating.
https://www.veltra.com/jp/tr/agreement01 - The transaction terms explanation document will be delivered by electromagnetic method. Please be sure to check and save the contents yourself. (The contents of the reservation confirmation email will serve as the transaction explanation document, so please be sure to check it and save it.)
- The transaction terms explanation document consists of the screen where the "Reserve" button is displayed (important matters) and the transaction terms explanation document (common matters).
Please check the contents yourself and save. - The trip price includes a private taxi and tour guide.
【Taxi：Hikami Taxi】
Address：606-25 Okuizumocho Nita-gun Inahara Shimane
TEL: 0854-52-0267
required_other
- An additional fee (740 yen per person) will be charged when a Japanese sword training demonstration is held at Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum. Please pay in cash on site.
required_note
- [Travel conditions]
Departure point/Return point: Matsue Station
Travel length: 0 nights and 1 day
Transportation used: Taxi
Meal conditions: 0 times in the morning, 1 time in the afternoon, 0 times in the evening
Minimum number of participants: 1 person
Tour conductor: None (accompanied by tourist guide) - [Travel planning and implementation]
Beltra Co., Ltd.
5th floor, Nippon Life Nihonbashi Building, 2-13-12 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-5555
General Incorporated Association Japan Travel Agents Association regular member Arguide Accompanying)
Operated by
VELTRA corp. (Shimane)
