Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum

4.5

The Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum has exhibitions on the history of the Tatara (traditional Japanese steelmaking method) in recent centuries and on the Nittoho Tattara (a Tatara steel-making furnace which was established in 1977 to ensure a reliable supply of the type of steel needed for making traditional Japanese swords), along with displays of swords made using traditional Tamahagane steel. Videos and replicas are used to explain the steelmaking process in an easy-to-understand way, making this a good museum to bring the kids to. Mr. Kobayashi, a sword-smith based in Okuizumo, gives demonstrations of traditional Japanese steel-forging and sword-making techniques twice a month, which are well worth seeing.

Spot details

Address: Shimane Pref. Nitagunokuizumochou Yokota 1380-1 Map
Area: Okuizumo Area
Phone: 0854522770
Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Reception until 16:30)
Closed: Monday(The next day if it is a public holiday), New Year's Holiday(12/28-1/4)
Fees: [Admission fee]
[Adults (High School Students and above)] 530 yen
[Elementary and Junior High School Students] 260 yen
※ Training demonstration:Adults 1,270 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 630 yen
Parking Lot: Available(30spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Available(Okuizumo_Free_Wi-Fi)
English Menu: Available (English pamphlet for in-house explanation)
Note: Temporary closure:Currently closed (information as of June 8, 2020)
* Information may be changed, so please be sure to check the official information.
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Available
Infant friendly: Available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Review

Tatara steel tour

Reviewed : 2021.12.06

I was fortunate to experience the sword making by myself. It was so amazing experience for me, Making katana by Tatara process is an art, I highly recommend people to witness it.
Japanese Sword bucket list

Reviewed : 2020.10.16

I really wanted to visit this museum for it is part of my Japanese sword bucket list. Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum features a story of transformation - iron ore from the sand of Okuizumo to the...
Interesting and Informative!

Reviewed : 2020.10.10

Information about tatara (traditional way of forging) and sword production areinteresting! The iron ores and sample swords areon display. Model of some machines used in iron making can also be...