3-Day Premium Tour of Tatara Ironworks in Oku-Izumo and Yasugi - Shimane Prefecture

Activity

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet at Yonago Airport in Tottori → Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Yasugi/Yuushien Garden in Matsue → Lunch

  Show the reservation page from your My Page upon arrival. Then, enjoy a performance by Japanese dancer and choreographer Chieko Takasuka. For lunch, choose between a vegetarian meal at Kiyomizu-dera Temple or a kaiseki course at Yuushien Garden.

• → Wakou Museum (citizen gallery) → Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum → Dinner

  Discover the region's historical evolution—from the myth of Kanayago's descent to the present-day Tatara iron-making tradition—through the 55-meter-long "Tamahagane Engi," a picture scroll typically not on public display. Deepen your understanding of this centuries-old craft at the Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum and witness a powerful sword demonstration by master swordsman Shuzo Ito.
  Dinner will be wild game cuisine at Kanuka Park, followed by an overnight stay at Saginoyusou. After dinner, reflect on the day’s experiences and share your impressions in a guided group dialogue, setting the tone for Day 2. /// Itinerary Day 1: 10:45am: Take a private taxi from Yonago Airport's arrival lobby; 11:30am-1:30pm: Lunch while watching a dance performance at Yasugi's Kiyomizu-dera Temple or Matsue's Yuushien Garden; 2:00pm-2:30pm: View the "Tamahagane Engi" at the Wakou Museum; 3:45pm-4:45pm: Experience sword drawing with Shuzo Ito at the Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum; 5:45pm-8:00pm: Dinner featuring wild game cuisine at Kanuka Park; 8:30pm: Check-in at Saginoyusou

• Day 2: Breakfast → Tanabe Family Storehouses, Sugaya Ironworks Village → Lunch

  After breakfast, head to Yoshidacho, the hometown of the Tanabe family, once leaders of the Matsue domain’s ironworks. Stroll through the historic industrial town and feel its rich heritage. Then, explore Takadono—the last remaining Tatara ironworks site and said to have inspired a popular anime—and nearby Sugaya Ironworks Village. There, meet Mitsuo Asahi, the last remaining Yamago (a mountain ironworker), and experience the spirit of a town once powered by Tatara iron-making. Lunch: Oku-izumo Vineyard Café (self-paid, with transport provided) In the afternoon, enjoy free time—perhaps visit the Adachi Museum of Art, renowned for its exquisite Japanese gardens. Dinner & Accommodation: Saginoyusou Savor a relaxing dinner while hearing stories from swordsmith Hironari Koto of Kajikobo Hiromitsu. /// Itinerary Day 2: 8:45am: Depart after breakfast; 9:45am–10:15am: Visit the Tanabe Family Storehouses; 10:30am–11:30am: Explore Sugaya Ironworks Village; 12:00pm–1:30pm: Lunch at Oku-izumo Vineyard Café (self-paid, with transport provided); 2:30pm: Free time after arriving at the accommodation (e.g., Adachi Museum of Art); 6:30pm–8:30pm: Dinner at Saginoyusou with Hironari Koto (Kajikobo Hiromitsu swordsmith)

• Day 3: Breakfast → Kanayago Shrine → Kajikobo Hiromitsu → Lunch → Check-out → Tour end at Yonago Airport (Tottori)

  After breakfast, visit Kanayago Shrine, a tangible cultural property designated by Shimane Prefecture, and feel the deep connection between people and iron. Hear a prayer and story from Chief Priest Abe, then head to blacksmith studio Kajikobo Hiromitsu, where you’ll spend the day as an honorary apprentice to swordsmith Hironari Koto. Craft your own candlestick using authentic tools while learning about his philosophy and techniques. After check-out, you’ll head to the airport. /// Itinerary Day 3: 8:30am: Depart after breakfast; 9:00am–10:00am: Visit Kanayago Shrine for prayer and talk; 10:15am–4:00pm: Apprenticeship experience at Kajikobo Hiromitsu (make a candlestick); [Lunch: Homemade cooking by Yasugi locals]; 5:00pm: Tour end at Yonago Airport

Cancellation Policy

The cancel fee is based on the timing of the cancellation. Please check the cancellation policy below.

• After 20 days before date of use

  40%

• After 7 days before date of use

  50%

• After 1 days before date of use

  80%

• The day of use

  100%

Related Tags