At Kai Tamatsukuri, a hot spring ryokan where every guest room features a private open-air bath, we are hosting the ‘Experience: Forging a Lifetime-Quality Tray in a Sacred Forge’ – a moment of craftsmanship to discover Izumo’s thousand-year history – from 1 April 2026 to 25 June 2026, and from 2 September 2026 to 26 November 2026.
Create a one-of-a-kind ‘forged tray’ whilst sparks fly in a sacred forge
‘Hiro Mitsu Blacksmith’s Workshop’ traces its origins back to the tatara smelting operations of the Edo period and, for ten generations, has been the sole workshop in eastern Shimane Prefecture to preserve the traditional techniques of Japanese sword forging handed down since ancient times. In this programme, you will enter the sacred forge—normally off-limits to the public—and create your own original forged tray whilst sparks fly. Under the guidance of a master blacksmith, this ‘forging experience’ involves hammering iron heated to over 1,000 degrees to craft a tray that is truly one of a kind. As the blacksmith will finish the piece after forging, you can take it home with you on the same day.
A moment to delve into the depths of craftsmanship that carries the techniques of the Japanese sword into the modern age
Following the forging experience, in the gallery attached to the workshop, you will learn about the spirit of craftsmanship that involves engaging with fire—a practice deeply rooted in the Izumo region—as well as legends surrounding ‘Kanayago-shin’, the god of iron deeply revered by blacksmiths across the country, and other valuable stories unique to this area. You will also have the opportunity to view how traditional techniques are being passed down in new forms, such as lighting fixtures crafted using the advanced techniques employed in forging Japanese swords, and frying pans cherished as lifelong tools.
A moment to trace the origins of the Eight-Headed Serpent in Izumo and immerse yourself in the very essence of the region
Exclusively for this package, we have prepared forged items such as candlesticks and vases in the ‘Tamayū-no-ma’ themed room. During your stay, you can handle these pieces and experience first-hand the unique texture and substantial weight of the iron.
‘Experience creating a forged tray to last a lifetime, crafted in a sacred forge’ – Overview
| Period: |
1 April 2026 – 25 June 2026, 2 September 2026 – 26 November 2026 |
| Price: |
18,000 yen per person (tax included, accommodation not included) |
| Included: |
Workshop tour, forged tray making |
＞Booking.
