The Master's Touch: Discover Tatara's Legacy and Private Katana Insights

Overview of the places visited

1. Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum

This museum showcases the evolution of tatara iron production, which was brought from the Korean Peninsula during the Yayoi period. It features a video (in Japanese) on tatara iron making, a life-sized cross-section model of a tatara furnace that thrived mainly in the Edo period, actual iron ingots known as "kera," and “Tamahagane” produced from them. Additionally, tools utilized in iron smelting, such as large balance blowpipes, as well as historical Japanese swords created in Okuizumo are on display. At the back of the exhibition room, visitors can observe a demonstration of Japanese sword forging performed by a swordsmith.

2. Itohara Residence

The Itohara family, a samurai lineage from the medieval period, traces its origins to Zenzaemon, who migrated from Bingo Province (Hiroshima Prefecture) in the early Edo period. The establishment of tatara iron production occurred here, and in the mid-Edo period, the ironworks named “Takadono” and the family residence were relocated to their present site. The gardens and structures, along with the seasonal landscapes that enhance the area, create a unique atmosphere in tune with the natural splendor of Okuizumo. Moreover, there are displays and materials that illustrate the techniques and history of tatara iron production, providing insight into the ancient culture of ironmaking.

3. Swordsmith Yoshihiro Kubo - Japanese Sword Appreciation

Swordsmith Yoshihiro Kubo, who serves as the chairman of the All-Japan Swordsmith Association, holds the title of non-examination swordsmith, a prestigious rank among contemporary swordsmiths that does not require participation in competitive awards (only 39 individuals have achieved this certification since 1955). During this event, he will present an appreciation of the Japanese swords he has crafted. This presents a unique chance to handle and view Japanese swords that are typically not accessible in museums, accompanied by explanations from Swordsmith Kubo.

Highlights

• This tour provides an in-depth exploration of "Tatara"—the distinctive traditional iron-making method of Japan that yields the high-purity Tamahagane steel, crucial for the exceptional sharpness and beauty of Japanese swords—beginning with a historical overview and a live demonstration of forging at the Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum.
• Next, the itinerary includes a visit to the historic Itohara Estate, which is the residence of one of the renowned "Three Great Iron Masters" who played a significant role in shaping the distinctive landscape of Okuizumo, characterized by sustainable forests and terraced fields.
• The tour concludes with the highlight: a private sword appreciation session in the estate's exclusive rooms, guided by Master Kubo Yoshihiro, the Chairman of the All Japan Swordsmith Association and a "Mukansa" (the highest designation of master swordsmith), offering a unique and esteemed chance to handle authentic masterpieces and truly engage with the essence of the Japanese sword, well beyond the confines of a museum display.

Itinerary

• Meet your guide at JR Matsue Station.
• Move to "Okuizumo Tatara Ironmaking and Sword Museum" by private vehicle
• Visit the Okuizumo Tatara Ironmaking and Sword Museum, followed by a live sword-forging demonstration by a master swordsmith.
• Lunch at "Nitamai Omusubi (Rice Ball) Horinbo," located on the grounds of the Itohara Estate.
• Tour the residence of a Tatara ironsmith master. After the tour, a Japanese sword appreciation event will be held by famous swordsmith, Mr. Kubo, in the living room of the Itohara residence.
• Move to JR Matsue Station
• Disbandling tour

Price Details

Included

• Admission fee: Tatara and Sword Museum, Japanese sword forging demonstration, Japanese sword appreciation event
• Lunch
• One English-speaking guide
• Transportation by chartered taxi from departure to return at JR Matsue Station.

Important Information

Cancellation Policy

20% of the tour fee if cancelled 7 days or more prior to the tour

50% of the tour fee if cancelled 3 days or more prior to the tour

100% of the tour fee if cancelled on the day of the tour, after the tour has departed, or in case of no show　

Purchase Notice

Tour conditions: Maximum number of participants: 6 people.

Tour Includes

・Transportation from departure to return (chartered taxi)

・Admission fee: Tatara and Sword Museum, Japanese sword forging demonstration, Japanese sword appreciation event　

・Lunch

・One English-speaking guide

Wheelchair users and children under 12years are not accepted to participate.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 169 or more hour before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 73 and 168 hour before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 25 and 72 hour before the activity date: 50% cancellation fee
• Less than 25 hour before the activity date: 100% cancellation fee