TRAVEL SPOTS

YOSHIHIRO KUBO’S JAPANESE SWORD FORGE

The forge of Yoshihiro Kubo, a “Master Swordsmith” and one of Japan’s top swordsmiths. Master Kubo began his career in 1994 and moved to Hiroshima prefecture in 2001. He has taken on the challenge of recreating the techniques of the Kamakura period (1192-1333) through scientific research.

SADANAO MIKAMI’S JAPANESE SWORD FORGE

This is the Japanese sword forge of the esteemed Master Swordsmith Sadanao Mikami. He is known for making a facsimile of the National Treasure Tachi “Kitsugasaki Tametsugu” and the spear used in a famous animated movie. A prominent figure in the Japanese sword world, Master Mikami has received numerous awards for his craftsmanship and continues to maintain a legacy of creative excellence.

IZUMO GRAND SHRINE AND TREASURE HOUSE

In Shinto, where 8 million gods are believed to exist, the Izumo Grand Shrine, also known as the Izumo Taisha, serves as their annual gathering place. At the Treasure House, visitors can explore the shrine’s treasures, including ancient documents, artifacts, and swords.

ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE AND TREASURE HOUSE

This shrine, perched on the sea with wooden buildings overlooking the island, offers a breathtaking view. Miyajima, with the shrine as its centerpiece, has been named one of the three most iconic scenic spots in Japan. The Treasure House displays national treasures, including Japanese swords, helmets and armor.

BIZEN OSAFUNE SWORD MUSEUM

Located in the once-prosperous Japanese sword production center of Osafune, this museum exhibits swords. Visitors can closely observe the Japanese sword-making process, including fitting, blade carving, and sharpening. The museum opens monthly for a traditional forging session, demonstrating the hammering and stretching of tamahagane.

WAKO MUSEUM

A museum dedicated to tatara steel making, showcasing tools, videos, models, and materials. It offers an easy-to-understand look at the history, technology, and distribution of steel. The hands-on experience of holding a Japanese sword adds to the museum’s popularity.

KIKKAWA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

This museum exhibits items related to the Kikkawa clan, lords of the Iwakuni domain. With about 7,000 historical materials, including the National Treasure tachi “Kitsunegasaki Tametsugu”, the museum features a garden of white gravel and black granite inspired by Zeami’s “Kazashikaden”.

SENGOKU NO NIWA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Sengoku no Niwa Historical Museum takes visitors to the remains of warlord Motoharu Kikkawa’s mansion, focusing on the results of excavations and the display of unearthed artifacts. The museum’s armor fitting experience is particularly popular, allowing visitors to don armor, step back in time to the 16th century, and capture memorable moments in historically inspired attire.

HAYASHIBARA ART MUSEUM

Fine antiques, mainly swords, are displayed along with paintings and crafts from East Asia. The collection includes feudal treasures from the Ikeda clan, lords of the Okayama domain, and the personal collection of the late Ichiro Hayashibara.

SUGAYA TATARA SANNAI

Sannai, a unique community that combines tatara facility and workers’ residences, offers a vivid glimpse into the life of tatara workers. Sugaya Tatara, which operated until 1921, stands alone as the only Sannai with a surviving furnace. This site beautifully captures the essence of historic tatara production.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF IRON

Located in Unnan City, once a major center of Japanese iron production, this museum explores the rich history of tatara steel making. Through tools, materials, and an exclusive video, it highlights the role of iron in Japan’s industrial development. The unique video content, praised as the best by an expert, is available only at this museum and enhances visitors’ understanding of this important historical process.

KANAYAGO SHRINE

Dedicated to the goddess of iron making, who is closely associated with tatara, this shrine is the head of approximately 1,200 Kanayago shrines throughout Japan and is worshipped by those associated with iron. Its 9-meter-high (30 feet) Otorii (Great Gate) is considered the tallest stone Shinto gate in Japan.

SHIMANE PREFECTURE ANCIENT IZUMO HISTORY MUSEUM

This museum delves into the mysteries and charms of ancient Izumo, known as the “Home of Mythology.” It showcases remarkable historical discoveries, including an array of bronze swords from the Yayoi period (300-250 B.C.) and a pillar that gives visitors a glimpse of the original size of the Izumo Grand Shrine.

COOKING EXPERIENCE WITH ACCHAN SENSEI

Atsuko Nishimoto, affectionately known as Acchan Sensei, is a food coordinator who offers a wide variety of dishes. Her menus include home cooking, locally inspired specialties, and pairings with regional sakes.

COOKING EXPERIENCE WITH FOOD MARIKO

A culinary artist who creates dishes based on allergies, religions, and dietary choices. Known for planning allergy-friendly buffets in hotels and promoting barrier-free food environments through school lectures.

MURASHIGE SAKE BREWERY

A sake brewing company that inherited an early Meiji period (1868-1912) brewery dedicated to the art of sake making. Taking advantage of Iwakuni’s natural resources of water and rice, the brewery brews sake with a focus on quality, distinguishing between hard and soft water.

KUMANO BRUSH (CALLIGRAPHY BRUSH)

Known as the brush capital of the world, Kumano produces world-class Kumano brushes that exemplify the precision and artistry of Japanese craftsmanship. Renowned for their delicate, smooth texture, these brushes are meticulously handcrafted from high-quality animal hair and are favored by artists worldwide.

ADACHI MUSEUM OF ART

Featuring modern Japanese paintings by Taikan Yokoyama, ceramics, and contemporary Japanese paintings by various artists, the museum is renowned for having the beautiful Japanese garden. With various elaborately landscaped gardens covering 165,000 square meters (1,777,000 square feet), it displays captivating beauty throughout the seasons.