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画像引用：釜石市

Tetsu no Rekishikan

岩手県

3.8

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

The Iron Hall, which looks at the past and future of iron

One of the few museums in Japan dedicated to iron. Visitors can learn about the culture and production of iron, as well as the people involved in the industry up to the present day. The museum features a full-scale reproduction of the Hashino Sanban Blast Furnace, which is introduced on a multi-image screen. Visitors can also enjoy a metal casting experience and create their own keychains.

Features & How to Enjoy

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Highlights

Point 1

Learn History at the Comprehensive Production Theater

On the first floor of the Comprehensive Production Theater, a replica of the third furnace of the Hachinohe Steelworks, restored to its original size, is used to project images. The combination of sound, light, and video creates a fantastic display of the history of iron in Kamaishi City, making it enjoyable to watch. The screening time is about 17 minutes per show, and it is shown every 30 minutes, so you can watch it as many times as you like.

Point 2

Overlooking Kamaishi Bay

From the observation lounge on the third floor and the observation terrace on the fourth floor, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Kamaishi Bay. From the observation lounge, you can see the vast ria coast, including the public pier and the bay mouth breakwater, while from the outdoor observation terrace, you can feel the wind while looking at Kamaishi Bay. It's perfect for a break after walking around and sightseeing. You can also see the Kamaishi Daikannon from the terrace, so be sure to look for it!

Point 3

See the Replica of an Ammonite

On the third floor, there is an exhibit of a huge replica of an ammonite fossil group. This is a replica of an ammonite fossil group that was excavated in Dinéault, France, a sister city of Kamaishi, and dates back 195 million years. You'll be amazed by its size when you get up close! By the way, it's located in the Iron History Museum, but it's not made of iron.

Point 4

Steam Locomotive and Photo Opportunities

On display in the parking lot is an SL (steam locomotive). This C20-type locomotive was manufactured by Hon'etsu Machinery in 1942 and was used on a private railway that ran between Kamaishi and Ohashi at the time. It was in service until the private railway was abolished in 1965 and it's impressive that it has been preserved so beautifully until the Reiwa era. Since it is placed outdoors, taking photos is allowed, so let's take a commemorative photo together!

Point 5

Experience Making Iron Products

At the Iron History Museum, there is a program where you can experience metal casting. You can actually melt iron using fire and pour it into a prepared mold to create your own original keychain or accessory. This hands-on experience is sure to leave lasting memories, as you feel the warmth and fun of handmade items. Since advance reservations are required, be sure to check before you visit!

Access

Convenient Access by Car

The "Iron History Museum" is about a 10-minute drive or taxi ride from JR Kamaishi Station. If you are coming by highway, you can arrive in about 15 minutes from "Kamaishi Chuo IC" or about 10 minutes from "Tangdan IC". There is also a parking lot that can accommodate up to 50 cars, so you can rest assured. You can also come by public transportation, but there are not many options, so having a car is more flexible. By the way, if you take a bus, you can take the Kamaishi Station-Uehirata direction and get off at "Kamaishi Daikannon Entrance", which is about a 5-minute walk from the museum.

Required time

Expect around 2 hours

There are many things to see inside the "Iron History Museum," and if you want to take your time, you can spend about half a day there. Especially noteworthy is the "Comprehensive Production Theater." It presents the history of iron in Kamaishi fantastically through sound, light, and video, and the screening time is about 17 minutes. You can also experience metal casting, which takes about an hour, so it's a good idea to consider the required time plus that (note that advance reservations are required!).

Souvenirs

Recommended: Making Keychains through Experience

The most recommended souvenir is an original keychain made through a metal casting experience. By melting and solidifying metal, you can create cute animal or seashell-shaped keychains, making it a great way to create memories. Since you can make a one-of-a-kind keychain, it's perfect as a souvenir. Please make sure to make a reservation in advance as it is necessary.

Basic Information

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