Uchizome (打ち初め), or ‘the first hit of the hammer’, is a unique shinto ritual held in the swordsmith’s forge in early January to pray for a fruitful year with no accident. On this day, a shinto priest officiates the ceremony in the forge of the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword museum followed by a traditional tempering demonstration given by the master swordsmiths of the museum.

Guests are more than welcome to join the ceremony and even have a go at swinging the hammer! Once all the excitement is over, onlookers, swordsmiths and priest are all invited to enjoy a warm and delicious winter beverage such as zenzai (warm sweet red bean soup with mochi) or amazake(sweet, low-alcohol Japanese drink).

This event is great for anyone looking for an authentic and unusual Japanese experience!

Date

Early January

Location

The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum

Bizen Osafune Sword Museum, 1005 Osafunecho Osafune, Setouchi, Okayama Prefecture, Japan