©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
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A unique museum dedicated exclusively to Japanese swords, primarily showcasing renowned Bizen blades. It also features workshops where visitors can observe traditional swordsmithing crafts firsthand.
Located in Osafune, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, a region famed since the Kamakura period for producing Japanese swords, the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum is a rare museum dedicated exclusively to swords. The museum showcases around 40 sword masterpieces, with a primary focus on Bizen-style blades, and regularly holds special exhibitions.
The museum's information corner utilizes digital technology, featuring valuable video presentations on traditional sword-making and a touch-panel viewer for detailed exploration of the national treasure, the Tachi Sword (Sanchomo, unsigned, Ichimonji). Visitors can learn about the history of Japanese swords, detailed terminology, and historical context.
The grounds feature a traditional forging area and workshops where visitors can observe various processes involved in crafting Japanese swords, including traditional blade forging, sword-fitting creation, blade engraving, and polishing. Additionally, the museum hosts a popular public demonstration of traditional forging methods ("Kokai Koshiki Tanren") every second Sunday of the month. During this event, swordsmiths work red-hot tamahagane steel at temperatures of approximately 1,200–1,300°C, making it a favorite among sword enthusiasts from Japan and abroad.
The museum also offers an extensive variety of hands-on workshops, including knife-making classes taught by skilled artisans and instructional sessions on the proper maintenance of Japanese swords.
In addition to gaining deep insights into sword history and craftsmanship, the facility also includes the Imaizumi Toshimitsu Swordsmith Memorial Hall and a local specialty shop (Bussankan). Visitors can purchase specialized items such as sword maintenance tools, as well as original sword-related merchandise and souvenirs.
Hosts approximately six exhibitions per year ©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
"The World of Swords" exhibit, offering clear explanations ideal for beginners ©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
"Bizen Osafune Swordsmith Workshop," where master swordsmiths work
"Public Traditional Forging," an event showcasing the folding-forging process of sword-making ©Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation
"Bizen Osafune Sword Workshop," allowing visitors to closely observe various stages of sword craftsmanship
"Fureai Bussan-kan," displaying and selling traditional crafts related to local sword heritage
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are foreign-language brochures or signage available? (If available, please specify languages.)
Brochures are available in English and French, and exhibit explanations are provided in English.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes, it is.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Yes.
Q
Are there any smoking areas?
Not available.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
Yes, it is.
