* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Wako Museum
和鋼博物館
Overview
The Wako Museum is located in Yasugi-chō, Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, and specializes in presenting “tatara steelmaking,” the process that produces tamahagane, the steel used as raw material for Japanese swords. Its predecessor, the “Wako Memorial Hall,” opened in 1946 (Shōwa 21) as an annex of the Yasugi Plant of Hitachi, Ltd. In April 1993 it was transferred to Yasugi City and reopened as the “Wako Museum.”
Tatara Steelmaking and Tamahagane Exhibits
The main building introduces the techniques and history of “tatara steelmaking,” Japan’s traditional method of iron production, through actual materials, audiovisual displays and models. It houses tatara steelmaking implements designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties, and explains the production of tamahagane as well as present-day operations by the “Nitto Hozon Tatara.” The picture scroll “Tamahagane Engi” by Matsumoto Shunshun is also among the exhibits.
Sword Collection
The collection includes several dozen Akabane swords. Akabane swords are Japanese swords that were seized by the occupation forces after the Second World War and gathered in a warehouse in Akabane, Tokyo; those recognized for their cultural value were later donated to museums across Japan. The Wako Museum is known as a facility that holds a portion of them. The museum also holds research materials of Dr. Tawara Kuniichi, who first carried out scientific analysis of Japanese swords. On the second floor are the Tawara Memorial Room and an observation lounge.
Access and Visitor Information
About a 15-minute walk from JR Yasugi Station. Opening hours are 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30). Closed on Wednesdays (or the following weekday if Wednesday is a public holiday) and from 29 December to 3 January. Admission: general 310 yen (260 yen for groups of 20 or more); high school students 210 yen (150 yen for groups); junior high school students and younger free. Due to renovation of the air-conditioning system and a full renewal of the permanent exhibits, the museum has been closed since 1 April 2026 (Reiwa 8) through fiscal 2029, and the reopening date will be announced separately.
Highlights
- Opened 1993, predecessor the 1946 Wako Memorial Hall ── transferred from the annex of Hitachi’s Yasugi Plant
- Houses tatara implements designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties ── tamahagane production explained through actual materials and models
- Holds several dozen Akabane swords ── blades seized by the occupation forces, later donated to museums nationwide, with a portion kept here
- Research materials of Dr. Tawara Kuniichi ── records of the researcher who first carried out scientific analysis of Japanese swords
- Present-day operations of the Nitto Hozon Tatara introduced ── exhibits include the “Tamahagane Engi” picture scroll
- Tawara Memorial Room and observation lounge on the 2nd floor ── Dr. Tawara’s research room and viewing space
* Opening hours and exhibitions are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.