Wako Museum

Wako Museum, located in Yasugi-cho, Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, specializes in introducing tatara steelmaking, the traditional ironmaking process that produces tamahagane, the raw material for Japanese swords. Its predecessor, the "Wako Memorial Hall," opened in 1946 as a facility attached to Hitachi's Yasuki factory; it was transferred to Yasugi City and reopened as "Wako Museum" in April 1993.

Tatara Steelmaking and Tamahagane Exhibits

The museum introduces the technique and history of tatara steelmaking, Japan's traditional ironmaking method, through original materials, videos, and models. It houses tatara steelmaking tools designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property, and explains the tamahagane production process along with the modern-day operation of the "Nittoho Tatara." The picture scroll "Tamahagane Engi" by Matsumoto Shunshun is also among the museum's exhibits.

Sword Collection

The collection includes several dozen Akabane swords — Japanese swords confiscated by Occupation forces after World War II and gathered in a warehouse in Akabane, Tokyo, later recognized for their cultural value and distributed to museums nationwide. Wako Museum is known as one of the institutions holding part of this collection. It also houses the research materials of Dr. Tawara Kunichi, who conducted the first scientific analysis of Japanese swords. The second floor houses the Tawara Memorial Hall, which includes an observation floor overlooking Lake Nakaumi.

Access and Visitor Information

About 15 minutes on foot from JR Yasugi Station, or about 5 minutes by bus, alighting at "Wako Museum-mae." About 10 minutes by car from the Yasugi Interchange. Open 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30). Closed Wednesdays (following weekday if a public holiday) and December 29-January 3. Admission: 310 yen for adults (260 yen for groups of 20+), 210 yen for high school students (150 yen for groups), free for junior high school students and younger.