Oshu Esashi Japanese Swords and Nanbu Ironware: Traditional Crafts of the Iron Capital

Iron Crafts of Oshu

Oshu City, Iwate (former Esashi and Mizusawa areas), is known as an "iron capital" blessed with abundant iron ore and charcoal resources since antiquity. Active sword forging and ironware workshops still allow visitors a glimpse into traditional smithing arts.

Highlights

- Sword Forging Workshops: Traditional Japanese sword-making workshops remaining in Oshu (advance contact recommended for tours) - Nanbu Ironware Workshops: Ironware production workshops alongside Morioka as a producing region - Oshu City Archaeological Research Center: Displays artifacts from ancient to medieval Oshu - Isawa Castle Ruins: Site of the Garrison Headquarters (Chinjufu) built in 802 CE by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro

Historical Context

- Fujiwara Clan Legacy: Iron as the economic foundation supporting Hiraizumi culture - Oshu Conquest: Site of Minamoto no Yoritomo's campaign against the Oshu Fujiwara clan

Getting There

- Alight at JR Tohoku Main Line Mizusawa Station or Mizusawa-Esashi Station (Shinkansen)

Tips

Oshu City is close to Hiraizumi — combining it with the UNESCO World Heritage site makes for an efficient trip. Local roadside stations sell Nanbu ironware products.