This tour offers a profound journey into the world of "Tatara"—Japan’s unique traditional iron-making technique that produces the high-purity Tamahagane steel essential for the exquisite sharpness and beauty of Japanese swords—starting with a historical deep dive and a live forging demonstration at the Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum before visiting the historic Itohara Estate, home to one of the legendary "Three Great Iron Masters" who shaped Okuizumo’s iconic landscape of sustainable forests and terraced fields, and culminating in the tour’s highlight: an exclusive sword appreciation session held in the estate's private rooms under the direct guidance of Master Kubo Yoshihiro, the Chairman of the All Japan Swordsmith Association and a "Mukansa" (the highest rank of master swordsmith), providing a rare and prestigious opportunity to hold authentic masterpieces and experience the true essence of the Japanese sword at close range, far beyond the glass of a museum display.

Overview of the places visited

1. Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum Exhibits include the historical changes in tatara iron making, which was introduced from the Korean Peninsula during the Yayoi period, and a video of tatara iron making (Japanese only), a life-size cross-sectional model of a tatara furnace which　reached its peak mainly during the Edo period, actual iron ingots called "kera“, “Tamahagane” extracted from them, tools used in iron smelting including large balance blowpipes, and Japanese swords made in Okuizumo in the past. At the Japanese sword forging workshop at the back of the exhibition room, you can watch a demonstration of Japanese sword forging by a swordsmith.

2. Itohara Residence The Itohara family is a medieval samurai family, and the first head, Zenzaemon, emigrated from Bingo Province (Hiroshima Prefecture) in the early Edo period. Tatara iron making began, and in the mid-Edo period the ironworks called “Takadono” and residence were moved to their current location. The gardens, buildings, and the seasonal scenery that color the surrounding area create a special space in harmony with the natural beauty of Okuizumo. There are also exhibits and materials that convey the techniques and history of tatara ironmaking, allowing you to experience the ancient culture of ironmaking.

3.Swordsmith Yoshihiro Kubo - Japanese Sword Appreciation Swordsmith Yoshihiro Kubo, chairman of the All-Japan Swordsmith Association, is a non-examination swordsmith (the highest rank among modern swordsmiths, who do not have to undergo award screening in competitions), of which only 39 people have been certified since 1955), and he will be holding an appreciation for Japanese swords he has made himself. This will be a rare opportunity to actually hold and see Japanese swords that are not normally available in museums, while listening to explanations from Swordsmith Kubo.