Izumo’s Ancient Tatara Ironmaking Heritage

For over 1,000 years, the Chugoku region supplied most of Japan's iron through the tatara smelting process, at its peak accounting for nearly 80 percent of national production. The work was intensive: charcoal forests were systematically harvested and allowed to regrow, while iron-sand collection leveled entire mountains, converting them to farmland afterward. In 2016, ironmaking centers in Yasugi, Unnan, and Okuizumo were designated Japan Heritage Sites. Key sites include the Wakou Museum and Kanayago Jinja Shrine in Yasugi, Sugaya Ironworks Village in Unnan, and Nittōho Tatara in Okuizumo.