YASUGI
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YASUGI
CONCEPT
The past and the present of Okuizumo and Yasugi,
places which have strong ties to Tatara iron-making,
are connected through the relationships of the locals,
the bearers of the culture, and the visitors to create a future where we can grow together.
*About Tatarairon-making: Tatarairon-making is a process in which iron is produced by burning iron sand and charcoal in a clay furnace. Reference: TataraIron-Making Okuizumo
T
he history of iron and local culture intertwine in Okuizumo and Yasugi. Tangible cultural assets provide the foundation of our story, a story which is complemented by mythology and history. Enjoy a profound experience surrounded by nature and local townscapes while experiencing the local pride, art, and local cuisine.
T
he facilitator will guide you on a cultural journey. This journey illuminates the passion of those who have supported the local culture, a passion which you will carry with you into the future.
A
s the journey ends, your next steps will take shape in the form of the workshop. Your time in Okuizumo will come to an end as you obtain unique knowledge and an experience that will stay with you into the future. However, this is just the beginning of a new chapter in your life!
Premium tours
where the past and future
intertwine through conversations
Arts & Geohistoria
Oku-Izumo
3-day,2-night story tour
01/
Your journey begins with history related to the longstanding technique of Tatara iron-making. Experience an overwhelming sense of history at the Wako Museum at this special public viewing of the magnificent 55-meter-long historical picture scroll “Tamahagane Engi” (designated as a cultural property by Yasugi City and usually closed to the public).
02/
You’ll not want to miss learning about the history of Nittoho Tatara, the only forge in Japan that continues to carry out Tatara iron-making, at the Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum. Experience the spirit of past samurai through a Batto (sword drawing) experience using a Japanese sword made by a master swordsmith.
03/
Find the key to connecting the ancient Tatara iron-making method to people’s daily lives at the Sugaya Tatara Sannai. Explore what people were so passionate about that they wanted to protect.
04/
Head towards the end of your journey with a heartwarming conversation and prayers with the chief priest at Kanayago Shrine. This shrine, which is important for those who’s livelihood involves iron and gold, is the perfect place to express your gratitude for the valuable experience you have had, as well as pray for better spiritual development.
© Yoshitaka YANO
05/
Conclude your experience with an apprenticeship to a swordsmith at Hiromitsu, the Blacksmiths Atelier, a forge where the traditional Tatara method has been passed down for ten generations since the Edo Period (1603-1868). Enlighten yourself through conversation about the thoughts and struggles of the swordsmiths who are bringing history to life in the modern age, and give yourself the opportunity to reexamine the past and future for yourself!
Short 1-night, 2-day tours
based around the theme “only in Okuizumo”
1-Night, 2-Day Short Tour①
Arts & Crafts Yasugi
Experience the local culture and beliefs not only through your apprenticeship to a swordsmith at Hiromitsu, the Blacksmiths Atelier, but also by praying at Kanayago Shrine, the shrine for those involved in the iron industry. In this special place where history and art intersect, participants will feel the connection between the past and the future and enjoy conversations with honest feelings right from the heart.
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1-Night, 2-Day Short Tour②
Iron Road Cycling
Starting from the mouth of the Iinashi River (also called the Uyuni Salt Lake of Izumo), this tour will take you to the Gassan Toda Castle Ruins, an impregnable mountain castle from the Warring States Period (1467–1615) that stretches out over the 184-meter-high Mt. Gassan and offers views of the Izumo Plains and the Sea of Japan. In the evening, relax your body and soul at a hot spring, and on the following day visit the Adachi Museum of Art, a museum which boasts the best garden in Japan. Take this journey of discovery which blends nature and art to develop a richness of spirit and personal growth.
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1-Night, 2-Day Short Tour③
Samurai Sword & Zen
A journey to discover the samurai spirit through the tradition of Tatara iron-making, swords, and the culture of Zazen meditation. Participants can hold a real sword and experience the art of Batto, (pulling a sword out of its sheath). Calm your mind and look deep inside yourself with a Zen meditation experience at Kiyomizu-dera. These two experiences will help you to construct a sense of inner peace that will stay with you even after the trip is over.
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SIGHTSEEING
Nearby attractions which will add some color
to your trip
Culture & Art
Hiromitsu, the Blacksmiths Atelier
Hiromitsu, the Blacksmiths Atelier forge has been run in this area for ten generations. It is a forge specializing in charcoal forging, with each piece hand-made by craftsman. Soft hammer marks remain on the surface of each piece, giving it a sense of warmth and familiarity. Experience the spirit of the swordsmith, face the flame, and create your own candlestick.
Address: 1168-8 Fube, Hirose-cho, Yasugi-shi,
692-0623
Phone Number: 0854-36-0026
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Adachi Museum of Art
The museum was opened in 1970 to display the Japanese art collection of Adachi Zenko, a businessman from Yasugi City. The Japanese garden covers an area of 50,000 tsubo (around 165,000m²) and includes many beautiful features, including a Karesansui garden (Japanese rock garden) and a white gravel and pine garden. It has been selected as the “Best Garden in Japan” consecutively since 2003. It is a great spot for enjoying the Japanese art along with the changing seasons in the garden.
Address: 320 Furukawa-cho, Yasugi-shi, 692-0064
Phone Number: 0854-28-7111
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Mythology & History
Kanayago Shrine
Tatara iron-making was carried out in the Chugoku Mountains from ancient times right up until the Taisho period, and is said to have produced 80-90% of iron in the country at its peak. The spring and fall festivals at Kanayago Shrine are visited by swordsmiths, people involved in the iron industry, and Tatara craftsmen. The approach to the shrine features a Kera (a lump of iron made with Tatara) from the Edo period.
Address: 307-1 Nishihida, Hirose-cho, Yasugi-shi, 692-0731
Phone Number: 0852-26-4778 (Kanayago Shrine head priest)
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Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum
A museum where you can learn about the Japan Heritage recognized “Land of Izumo, Tatara Chronicle ~A Thousand Years of Iron~”. Discover Nittoho Tatara, the only forge in Japan which continues to use the Tatara iron manufacturing method. You can also see a Japanese sword forging demonstration by a local swordsmith.
Address: 1380-1 Yokota, Okuizumo-cho, Nita-gun, Shimane Prefecture, 699-1832
Phone Number: 0854-52-2770
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Sugaya Tatara Sannai
Sannai is a general term for the area where those who were involved in the ancient Japanese method of Tatara iron manufacturing worked and lived. The Sugaya Tatara Sannai operated for about 130 years until 1921. It is said to have been the model for the Irontown settlement in the movie Princess Mononoke.
Address: 1214 Yoshida, Yoshida-cho, Unnan-shi, Shimane Prefecture, 690-2801
Phone Number: 0854-74-0311 (Iron History Village Regional Development Corporation (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation)
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Wako Museum
A comprehensive museum where visitors can learn about the history of Tatara iron-making. Learn about the history of iron from ancient times right up to the modern era with the museum’s iron-making tools, visual materials, and models, which are designated as National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties. Both children and adults alike can enjoy the Tenbinfuigo (seesaw-like bellows) and holding a Japanese sword.
Address: 1058 Yasugi-cho, Yasugi-shi, 692-0011
Phone Number: 0854-23-2500
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Nature & Landscape
Mouth of the Iinashi River
The surface of the water becomes like a mirror on days where there is no wind or waves, reflecting the sky and the Shimane Peninsula. Sediment from the Tatara ironworks is deposited and the river and the ocean waves form a huge puddle, resembling the fantastic Salar de Uyuni salt flat.
Address: Iinashigawa Kako, Akae-cho, Yasugi-shi, 692-0001
Phone Number: 0854-23-7667 (Yasugi City Tourist Association)
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Tanabe Museum of Art
The Tanabe family, which started Tatara iron manufacturing in 1460, served as the head ironmaster of the Matsue Clan and formed a corporate castle town in Yoshida-cho. The Tanabe Museum of Art is a group of 20 white-walled storehouses neatly lined up in the center of the town and tells the story of the prosperity of the period.
Address: Yoshida, Yoshida-cho, Unnan-shi, Shimane Prefecture, 690-2801
Phone Number: 0854-40-1054 (Unnan City Tourism Promotion Division)
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Food & Lodging
Saginoyusou
This long-established ryokan located in Saginoyu Onsen was established in 1909. Each of its twenty guest rooms has its own unique atmosphere and offers a relaxing stay. The ryokan is a convenient base for sightseeing, with the Adachi Museum of Art nearby, and other places like Izumo Taisha and Matsue Castle within good access.
Address: 478-1 Furukawa-cho, Yasugi-shi, 692-0064
Phone Number: 0854-28-6211
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KANUKA PARK
Surrounded by pure waters and lush greenery, a place where fireflies and storks dance in harmony with nature. In Unnan City, wild boar raised in this pristine environment offers a taste like no other — rich, intense, and unforgettable.Enjoy wild game cuisine made from local resources made by Shunji Kanuka, a chef from outside of the prefecture who trained in Ginza, Tokyo and Yokohama.
Address: 259-1 Yumura, Kisuki-cho, Unnan-shi, Shimane Prefecture, 699-1343
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