– Discover the Living Landscape Behind Japanese Sword Making –

Fee: ¥20,000 for up to 2 people (+¥5,000 per extra person)
Children under 12: Free
Ages 12–18: ¥2,000

Okuizumo is a mountainous rural region deeply connected to the history of tatara ironmaking, the traditional method used to produce tamahagane steel for Japanese swords.
This guided experience offers more than a museum visit. Accompanied by a local storyteller, you will explore how ironmaking shaped the land, forests, agriculture, and everyday life of the people who have lived here for generations.
This is a slow, thoughtful program that connects history, nature, and living landscapes.

【Tour Highlights】
• Satoyama Walk: Walk through the surrounding landscape and terraced rice fields, with explanation of how tatara ironmaking shaped forests, water systems, and rice farming.
• Museum Visit: Explore the Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum with clear, story-based explanations.
• Local Storyteller: Learn through human stories, not just exhibits.
• Cultural Context: Understand how Japanese swordmaking was supported by everyday rural life.

【Basic Information】
Name
Visit Okuizumo Tatara & Sword Museum with a Local Storyteller
– Discover the Living Landscape Behind Japanese Sword Making –

【Event Dates】
Year-round (reservation required)
Please note: The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

【Time】
Approximately 2.5 hours
Start time is flexible between 9:30 and 15:00

【Itinerary】
Meet the storyteller at the Okuizumo Tatara & Sword Museum entrance
↓
Satoyama walk through the surrounding landscape and terraced rice fields, with explanation of how tatara ironmaking shaped forests, water systems, and rice farming
↓
Guided museum visit with storytelling and interpretation
↓
Program ends with local insights and recommendations

(Subject to change depending on weather and season)

【Meeting Point】
Okuizumo Tatara & Sword Museum entrance

【Parking Lot】
On-site parking available at the museum

【Fee】
¥20,000 for up to 2 people (+¥5,000 per extra person)
Children under 12: Free
Ages 12–18: ¥2,000

【Optional Add-on Experience】
Tatara Sword Forging Experience
Visitors may add a Tatara Sword Forging Experience, where you can observe and take part in a traditional sword-forging demonstration connected to Okuizumo’s ironmaking heritage.
This experience offers a rare opportunity to witness the physical process behind Japanese sword production, complementing the cultural and landscape-based program above.

Add-on Fee: ¥20,000 per experience
(Advance reservation required. Availability is limited.)

【Payment Method】
Payment is required in advance.
A secure payment link will be sent after reservation confirmation.

【Max Number of Reservations Possible】
2–8 people (small private group)
Solo travelers are welcome.
Please note that the fee applies at the rate for two people.

【Things Included】
・Museum entrance fee
・English-speaking local storyteller
・Guided museum visit
・Satoyama and terraced rice field walk

【Things Excluded】
・Transportation to the meeting point
・Optional Tatara Sword Forging Experience fee

【Cancellation Policy】
• 7–4 days before: 30%
• 3–1 days before: 50%
• Same day: 100%

【Inquiries & Reservations】
contactus@thoughinaka.com

【Remarks】
・Please book at least 7 days in advance.
・This experience involves light walking on uneven ground.
・The program may be adjusted due to weather or seasonal conditions.
・The optional sword forging experience is subject to availability and operational conditions.
・This is not a technical sword-making workshop unless the optional add-on is reserved.

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