Exploring the Ancient Art of Ironmaking

Standard Tour

Okuizumo area Tatara Tour

Immerse yourself in the history of tatara iron manufacturing and Japanese swordsmithing at the Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum. Enjoy traditional soba noodles at Hime no Soba Yukari-an, located within the Inada Shrine precincts. Experience the warmth of hospitality at the historic Sakurai Residence, where the Sakurai family welcomes you for tea. Explore the Sugaya Tatara Sannai village, designated as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Asset. Embark on a journey through time and culture in Unnan area.

From27,960(JPY)
Date *
Day
Month
Year
Number of Participants *
Adult (13-99)
Child (3-12)
Infant (0-2)

Highlights

  • Lunch at Yakumo-an, local buckwheat noodle Izumo Soba.
  • Viewing Samurai culture- collection of art work for tea ceremony.
  • Make your Japanese tea where the Matsue Domain lord Fumai ordered tea cultivation.
  • Follow in the Matsue domain lord’s footsteps for visiting the tatara owners. Itohara memorial museum.
  • Enjoy the blessing of nature with the beautiful scenery of Okuizumo.

Description

Japanese swords are crafted from a unique type of steel known as “tamahagane.” This special steel,tamahagane, is produced at the Nittoho Tatara located in Okuizumo Town, Shimane Prefecture. Tatara steel-making is an ancient Japanese method where iron sand and charcoal are burned in furnaces made of clay.This traditional method has been practiced for over 1,300 years. At its peak, Okuizumo was responsible for producing the majority of Japan’s steel, playing a pivotal role in both the country’s industry and culture. Moreover, tatara steel-making represents a sustainable industry, embodying a harmonious coexistence between people and nature through the recycling of forest resources and the utilization of former iron sand pit sites for agricultural production. In Okuizumo, there exists a wealth of cultural heritage and historical landscapes associated with tatara steel-making. Additionally, the traditional techniques for producing tamahagane, essential for crafting Japanese swords, have been preserved and passed down through generations. Join us on this tour as we explore the village of tatara, where you’ll discover the rich history and cultural significance of this ancient steel-making tradition.

Itinerary

Day1 8:30 a.m. Departure from Matsue Station.
9:30 a.m. Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum.
10:45 a.m. Fukuyori Terraced Paddy Field.
11:45 a.m. Lunch at Hime no Soba Yukari-an.
1:30 p.m. Sakurai Family Residence & Kabeya Shusei-kan History Museum.
3:00 p.m. Sugaya Tatara (Sannai) The only existing tatara site.
5:00 p.m. Dismissal at Matsue Station or Izumo Airport.

Overview

  • Duration

    A small-group guided cultural tour with an expert bilingual guide

  • Price per person (tax incl.)

    1 adult ¥115,200(JPY)
    2 adults ¥60,840(JPY)
    3 adults ¥49,560(JPY)
    4 adults ¥38,760(JPY)
    5 adults ¥32,280(JPY)
    6 adults ¥27,960(JPY)
    Please contact us separately for groups of 6 or more.

  • Availability

    Available year-round

  • Meeting time and place

    8:20a.m., Matsue Tourist Information Centre, In front of Matsue Station (North Exit)

  • End of Tour

    Around 17:00 at JR Matsue Station

  • Eligible participants

    13+

  • Number of participants

    1 – 6 participants

  • Japanese Level

    None

  • Language support

    English interpreter staff

Inclusions

  • Charter taxi fee for the entire trip
  • Guide fee for accompanying interpreter guide
  • Entrance fees to tourist facilities, lunch, tea ceremony at Sakurai residence

Exclusions

  • Personal expense
  • Transportation between your home and the meeting (start and end) point
  • Cost of drinks during meals
  • Alcoholic beverages

Physical Requirements

This tour is designed to provide an immersive experience, and while it doesn’t involve strenuous physical activities or energy-consuming tasks, please note that the schedule may be demanding. There are no specific age limits or fitness requirements, but participants should be prepared for a schedule that might involve extended walking and active engagement with the activities.

Travel planning and implementation

Tabikala Co., Ltd. 
TEL:050-3559-0222 
Registered Travel Agency with the Governor of Shimane Prefecture: Region – 106 
Shimane Governor-registered travel service arrangement business: No. 5 – Other 

Cancellation Policy for “Though Inaka” [ Okuizumo area Tatara Tour ]

Cancellation of the custom-ordered “Though Inaka” [ Okuizumo area Tatara Tour] is subject to the following charges:

Cancellation Charges:
31 or more days prior to the first day of the tour: 10% of the total tour cost
30-8 days prior to the first day of the tour: 20% of the total tour cost
7-4 days prior to the first day of the tour: 50% of the total tour cost
3-0 days prior to the first day of the tour or non-appearance: 100% of the total tour cost

Payment Refund Process:
In the event of cancellation, after the customer completes the payment of the tour cost, the refunded amount will be calculated by deducting cancellation charges, bank handling charges, and any other costs incurred by travel service providers (railway company, accommodation, etc.) from the amount already paid.
The refunded amount will be remitted to the bank account specified by the customer.

Cancellation Date:
The date of cancellation refers to the date and time when the notice is received by “Though Inaka” based on Japan time. This contrasts with the local date and time when the customer sends the cancellation notice.

Refund Processing Time:
Please allow up to 14 days for the refund to be credited to the customer’s account.

Tour Alterations:
“Though Inaka” reserves the right to alter the itinerary or tour components if necessary for reasons beyond our control. Any changes will be communicated to participants in a timely manner.

Participant Substitution:
If you are unable to attend the tour, you may substitute another person. Please notify us in advance with the substitute participant’s details.

Contact for Cancellations:
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to [contact@thoughinaka.com] via email.
Please include your name, booking reference number, and the reason for cancellation in your email.

By participating in the “Though Inaka” [Tour Name], you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this cancellation policy. We appreciate your understanding, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

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