Bizen Nagafuna Sword Museum

Overview

The Bizen Nagafuna Sword Museum, located in Nagafuna, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, is a museum specializing in Japanese swords. It's a valuable place that conveys the history and culture of Bizen Nagafuna, a sword-making region that has continued since the Kamakura period. The museum houses a collection of approximately 400 swords, mainly Bizen swords, with about 40 on display at any given time. The exhibition rooms utilize panels, videos, and models to provide detailed explanations of sword structures, history, and manufacturing processes. There's also a corner where you can actually handle and appreciate swords, allowing you to experience their beauty and craftsmanship. On the premises, you can witness the skills of artisans firsthand at the sword-forging workshop where swordsmiths forge swords, and the sword fittings workshop where sword fittings are made. At the forging workshop, traditional forging is demonstrated on the second Sunday of each month, offering a chance to witness artisans hammering steel with large hammers in a high-temperature furnace. Furthermore, the museum holds various workshops related to swords. These activities, suitable for all ages, include handling swords, experiencing sword polishing, and even creating your own original sword. The Bizen Nagafuna Sword Museum is recommended not only for those interested in Japanese swords but also for those who want to experience traditional Japanese culture. Be sure to visit!