Local Connections: Tatara & Sword Maker with Award-winning Chef's Lunch Box

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU WILL VISIT:
Tatara Sword Museum & Katana Museum
A genuine Japanese sword is produced with a type of steel called tamahagane and manufactured in a traditional type of forge called a tatara using an ancient process. Okuizumo is the only town in Japan today that still uses this method. This informative museum details the production process through dynamic exhibits, videos and photography, and it displays an impressive collection of swords as well as a replica of an early tatara forge. Here, a master swordsmith, Mr. Kobayashi Shunji, will give a demonstration of a piece of tamahagane being worked. A sword-wielding demonstration concludes this exciting visit.

Sakurai Residence and Garden
Built in 1738, this authentic Sakurai residence was originally owned by the headmaster of a local iron-making business during the Edo period. The ornate front gate was designed to be used when a feudal lord visited the residence, although it was used only six times. The grounds include a pretty Japanese garden. Step inside an adjacent building to enjoy a cup of macsha, Japanese green tea.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE ALONG THE WAY:
Nestled between the sea and the sky, Sakaiminato is surrounded by water, with the Sea of Japan to the west, Lake Nakaumi to the south and Sakai Channel to the north. It's a two-hour motorcoach drive to Okuizumo, one of the more traditional and remote areas in modern Japan.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
Be sure to photograph the striking modern sculpture of eight intertwined serpents in front of the Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum in Shimane Prefecture. This represents one of the earliest of the Japanese myths called Yamata No Orochi.

LUNCH:
During your day, you'll receive a Japanese bento box lunch prepared with regional ingredients including a very high-quality rice called Nita-mai. A local expert, Mr. Hideaki Tachibana, a government award-winning Japanese chef, will present the Okuizumo-style meal with an explanation of the origins of the bento box and its delicious contents. Tuck into this tradition lunch on the motorcoach, while enjoying the passing views.

Special Notes:

*Time to see the museum exhibits will be short since the main purpose of visit is to see the sword demonstration.
*Box lunch will be handed out at the museum, to be consumed on the bus.
*Visiting order may vary.
*No dietary request is accommodated on this tour.
*In case the local partners are not available, a different person will be arranged for the tour date.
*In case The Sakurai Residence is closed due to maintenance, the tour will visit the Itohara Residence.
*Capacity of this tour is limited.
*Please note that if the tour does not reach minimum number of participants one month prior to the tour date, the tour may be cancelled.