A Sunday Morning Market and 30 Fresh Oysters
Today, I headed to Bizen City in Okayama Prefecture, a place famous for its traditional Bizen pottery.
My first stop was "Mana-ichi", a massive morning market that is only open on Sundays. Because it's located right near the ocean, the market is packed with incredibly fresh and delicious seafood.
We decided to buy some oysters for dinner, and I was shocked by how cheap they were; we got a batch of about 30 oysters for just 1,500 to 2,000 yen (around $10.00 to $13.50 USD).
Panoramic Views from Mount Yudachiuke
After about a 15-minute drive from the market, we arrived at Mount Yudachiuke.
I hiked up toward the summit, which sits at an elevation of over 200 meters. It was a bit tiring, but the stunning panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea made it totally worth it.
Legend has it that the mountain got its name, "Yudachiuke" (receiving the evening shower), because locals once prayed for rain at the summit during a severe drought, and shortly after, a downpour finally arrived.
The Village of Japanese Swords
Next up, we visited the Osafune Sword Village.
I actually passed through Bizen on a previous trip, but it was 1:00 AM, so the sword museum was obviously closed. I was thrilled to finally make it this time. It's a popular spot for both Japanese and international tourists, and you can actually observe the traditional process of how these swords are forged.
One thing that really caught me off guard was the prevalence of French on the signboards. Seeing so much French gave the place a highly unique and unexpected vibe.
Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum
Located in the legendary "Village of a Thousand Smiths," this museum is a global pilgrimage site for sword enthusiasts. It offers a rare, comprehensive look at the art of the Japanese katana, combining world-class exhibits—including National Treasures—with live workshops where master craftsmen continue to forge, polish, and engrave blades using techniques passed down through centuries.
Inside the Belly of a Bizen Pottery Kiln
To wrap up the day, I visited an acquaintance who makes traditional Bizen pottery.
I was given the rare privilege of actually stepping inside one of the massive pottery kilns.
It was my first time seeing the inside of a kiln, and it was fascinating. I learned that when they are firing the pottery, the artisans have to stay awake continuously to monitor the temperature. They endure incredibly hot and humid conditions without sleep, maintaining a grueling and intensely demanding schedule. Standing inside the kiln, I could truly feel the immense dedication behind this historical craft.
