Visit the specialized sword museum in Bizen Osafune, a region that flourished as a production center for Japanese swords, and a Bizen ware kiln, one of the six ancient kiln sites of Japan. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from the artisans and witness their craftsmanship and works up close—skills that have been cultivated and passed down through centuries of tradition.

【Bizenosafune Sword Museum】

This museum is located in Osafune-cho, Okayama prefecture, which has flourished as a production base for Japanese swords since the Kamakura period (1185-1333), exhibiting  swords; mainly Bizen swords, which are rare even in Japan.

There is a sword mill on the site, and visitors can actually observe various production processes related to Japanese swords, such as traditional Japanese sword forging, sword costume making, engraving on the blade, and sharpening.

On the 2nd Saturday of every month, visitors can watch the “traditional forging,” in which tama-hagane (tama steel) is hammered and extended at a high temperature of 1,200 degrees Celsius (advance booking is required). The sight of craftsmen powerfully hammering the steel powerfully and sparks scattering is impressive!

Traditional forging: 2nd Sunday of every month

Japanese sword maintenance seminar: 4th Saturday of every month 

【Seafood lunch at Hinase】

In Hinase Town; the town which overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, you can enjoy fresh seafood. We will guide you to recommended restaurants.

【Bizen Kilns of Six Families, TOKEIDO】

Tokeido has been around for over 500 years in Inbe, Bizen City, the hometown of Bizen ware. Bizen Kilns of Six Families refers to potteries of the six surnames (Kimura, Kaneshige, Mori, Terami, Taisen, and Tongu) who were allowed to manufacture and were protected by Prince Ikeda of the Bizen Domain. This kiln was also used by craftsmen in the Edo period and the Ministry of the Imperial Household in the early Showa period, and is now the 26th generation.

This tour includes a tour of the workshop and kiln, and the store displays. and sells a wide range of items, from small items (accessories and chopstick rests) to tableware, flower vases, tea utensils, and objects.

【Japan's number one "Dagashi" store】

Inexpensive sweets that can be bought with children's pocket money are called “Dagashi”. In the past, there were dagashi stores scattered all over the town, and it was a place for children to learn social skills. Approximately 5,000 kinds of sweets and toys are lined up and you can experience Japanese Dagashi culture.

≪Price (per group)≫
The price varies depending on the number of participants:

• 2 people: ¥152,000 (¥76,000 per person)

• 3 people: ¥204,000 (¥68,000 per person)

• 4 people: ¥232,000 (¥58,000 per person)

• 5 people: ¥265,000 (¥53,000 per person)

• 6 people: ¥288,000 (¥48,000 per person)

• 7 people: ¥301,000 (¥43,000 per person)

• 8 people: ¥304,000 (¥38,000 per person)

※Reservation Deadline: 2 weeks before the tour date
This is a request-based tour. After your reservation is confirmed, we will send you a confirmation email.
Full payment is required at the time of your reservation request. If the reservation is not confirmed, a full refund will be issued.

≪Notes≫

・Reservations for the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum's training sessions on swordsmithing and Japanese sword care will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, starting one month prior to the tour date. If reservations cannot be made, only the museum and workshop tours will be available.

・Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions such as allergies. We will not be able to accommodate requests made on the day of the tour.

≪Tour Operator Information≫
Company Name: Ryobi Tours Co., Ltd.
Address: 7th Floor, Ryobi Building, 6-1 Nishikimachi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-0902, Japan
Licensed by the Japan Tourism Agency: Registered Travel Agency No. 163
Email: inbound@ryobi-tours.jp
Phone: +81-86-201-2077 (Weekdays 10:00–18:00 Japan Time)

≪Tour Information≫

Departure point: Okayama 

Travel days: 1 day

Means of transportation: Vehicle type varies depending on the number of participants: 2 persons/taxi, 3 or more persons/jumbo cab

Bus company name: Okayama Kotsu Co.

Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 8

Meals: 1 lunch

National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English): 1

≪How to participate≫

Please present the voucher sent to you by e-mail to the staff on the day of the tour.

≪Guidelines≫ 

・Please arrive at the assembly point 10 minutes before departure time.

・Please note that congestion can be expected on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and event days.

・The schedule is subject to change without notice.

・The tour will be conducted by car, therefore, there may be a delay in arrival time due to traffic conditions and other factors. Please note that the tour schedule is subject to change without prior notice.

・Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).

・In the event of a inclement weather, the decision regarding the tour availability will be made at 12:00 local time in the noon one day prior to the date of the tour. Notification will be sent to you via email and a full refund will be given.

・Seatbelts must be worn during bus travel in accordance with the law.

・Smoking is not permitted on the vehicles.

・Please take responsibility for your own valuables.

Note: These guidelines are for your safety and enjoyment. Thank you for your cooperation.

・Please, read and understand the terms and conditions about our travel packages / Privacy Policy at the following link:

Statement of Travel Terms and Conditions