Wakou Museum

The only museum in Japan where you can learn about the history of tatara ironmaking

A comprehensive museum about the tatara, a unique iron-making method in Japan. Tatara is a technique for refining iron using iron sand as raw material and charcoal as fuel. The high-purity steel “Tamahagane” produced by the tatara iron manufacturing method is used as raw material for Japanese swords.

Inside the museum, you can learn about the history of iron in an easy-to-understand manner, from ancient times when iron-making began in Japan to modern times, with various iron-making tools that have been designated as National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties, various video materials, and models on display.

There is also a hands-on exhibit where you can operate the “Tenbin Fuigo” that was actually used in the tatara bar, as well as hands-on experience with a Japanese sword made from Tamahagane. increase.