Discover the Ancient Art of Tatara Iron - Limited Time Experience

The Unique History of Shimane’s Ironworks

 
 

Now accepting reservations for Saturday, October 30th – Sunday, October 31st, 2021

 
 
 

A Journey into Local Culture

Deep in the mountainous countryside of Shimane Prefecture, history comes alive in the sleepy village of Okuizumo. Although few hints remain today, this bucolic setting was once a bustling company town centered around a single, indispensable industry – iron. Furnaces known as ‘tatara’ roared constantly, smelting raw materials mined from the surrounding hills into high-quality iron ingots which were then used to produce a dizzying array of objects, from farm tools, to cookware, to samurai swords.

The Tanabe Family quickly gained esteem as producers of the finest iron in the Matsue Domain, remaining a prominent fixture in the local community to this day. Just two times per year, the family stokes one of the country’s few remaining tatara kilns, welcoming the public to join in a rare cultural event steeped in history and tradition. Held in cooperation with the Iron History Village Regional Promotion Organization, the event aims to preserve the region's proud and industrious history, provide human resource development, and foster greater connections with the local community. After witnessing a unique piece of Japanese history, event participants also receive a piece of kera, a unique by-product of the smelting process

 
 
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Experience Details

Experience Dates

Saturday, October 30th – Sunday, October 31st, 2021

Number of Participants

Limited to 30 people (each experience can accommodate a maximum of 10 participants).

Participation Fees

From 52,800 JPY to 148,500 JPY depending on the experience.

 
 
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Tatara Experiences

Full Tatara Iron Experience

Dates: Saturday, October 30th, 9:00 AM – Sunday, October 31st, 11:00 AM (26 hours)

Participation Fee: From 152,900 JPY per person (tax included)

Experience Details: Over the course of 26 hours, experience firsthand every aspect of using a tatara kiln, from stoking the fires to smelting the iron sand.

Tatara Daytime Experience

Dates: Saturday, October 30th, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (12 hours)

Participation Fee: From 68,200 JPY per person (tax included)

Experience Details: In this one-day course, experience the fascinating first half of the tatara smelting process, including firing the kiln, inserting iron sand, and separating the iron particles.

Tarara Nightime Experience　

Dates: Saturday, October 30th, 11:00 PM – Sunday, October 31st, 11:00 AM (12 hours)

Participation Fee: From 57,200 JPY per person (tax included)

Experience Details: Witness the exciting climax of the tatara iron smelting process during this 12-hour, nighttime experience.

Important Information

  • Application Deadline: Friday, October 22nd, 2021

  • This event is conducted in Japanese. We can arrange for an English-speaking guide upon request (subject to an additional fee).

  • More information about meeting points, venues, and necessary equipment will be provided prior to confirming your booking.

 

Apply for one of our Tatara Experiences using the form below.

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