On our way to Izu-Nagaoka, we stopped at the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace, a World Cultural Heritage site located in Izunokuni City. Surrounded by lush green mountains and with a river flowing nearby, the tall brick tower stands out in the tranquil scenery. Although it is now a quiet tourist spot, about 170 years ago, an important challenge symbolizing Japan's modernization took place here: the casting of iron cannons.
To protect Japan during the Bakumatsu period
The Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace was built over 170 years ago, during the late Edo period. Following the Opium War of 1840 and the arrival of Commodore Perry in 1853, Japan realized the need to prepare for defense against foreign powers. It was Egawa Tarōzaemon Hidetatsu (Tan'an), the magistrate of Nirayama, who promoted the creation of cannons incorporating Western technology. Construction began in 1854 at Hidetatsu's suggestion, and after his death, it was continued by his son Hidetoshi and others, and completed in 1857. Iron cannons were actually cast here. As a valuable industrial heritage site that conveys the appearance of Japan at the end of the Edo period as it began its journey toward modernization, it was registered as one of the constituent assets of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" in 2015 and is now a World Cultural Heritage site.
Upon actually visiting, you'll find a tranquil atmosphere that contrasts sharply with its historical background. Beautifully manicured lawns, lush green mountains surrounding the area, and the gentle murmur of a stream if you listen carefully—all within this peaceful landscape stands the reverberatory furnace, a testament to the tensions of the late Edo period. Since we were with our dog, Chocolat, we enjoyed strolling around the area while admiring the furnace from the outside. It's the perfect spot to stop by for a walk, allowing you to feel the history while giving your dog a short rest.
After passing the reverberatory furnace and crossing the bridge through the garden, you will come across the adjacent "Reverberatory Furnace Products Museum, Kuraya Narusawa Tan'anThere is a ''.
Here, we offer our own brand of Japanese tea and craft beer.reflection path beerA wide variety of products are sold, including famous sweets from Shizuoka and Izu, so you can find souvenirs.
The Furukawa River flows beside the reverberatory furnace.
Flowing quietly beside the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace is the Furukawa River, a first-class river in the Kano River system. Today, the gentle murmur of the river creates a pleasant and tranquil landscape, but the Furukawa River actually has a deep connection to the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace. It is said that in those days, the water flow was used to power waterwheels, which were used as the power needed to cast cannons. It is fascinating to think that the people of the late Edo period skillfully utilized the natural power of this land to attempt to create modern cannons. The Furukawa River still maintains its clear flow and is known as a place where natural fireflies live. The reverberatory furnace that tells the story of history and the river that nurtures rich nature—this landscape where these two coexist is one of the charms that you should definitely experience when you visit the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace.
The Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace might normally be passed over as "just a place with a large brick chimney." However, once you learn the story behind it, the scenery before you seems to look a little different.
A statue of Egawa Hidetatsu (Tan'an) watching over the reverberatory furnace.
One of the most striking features is the dignified bronze statue of Egawa Tarōzaemon Hidetatsu (Tan'an). It stands as if he is still here, watching over the reverberatory furnace, his long-held dream. Hidetatsu, who served as the magistrate of Nirayama, actively studied Western artillery and coastal defense, and sought to incorporate new technologies to protect Japan. It was Hidetatsu's proposal that led to the construction of the Nirayama reverberatory furnace. Sadly, Hidetatsu himself passed away in 1855 before the furnace was completed, but his aspirations were passed on to his son, Hidetoshi, who completed the furnace in 1857. Hidetatsu is now affectionately called "Tannan-san" by the locals. When you visit the reverberatory furnace, be sure to take a look at this statue. It is not just a furnace for making cannons, but also the image of a man who envisioned the future of Japan in the late Edo period.
Cannonballs lined up on the Furukawa Bridge
On the way from the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace to the local products center, you cross a small bridge over the Furukawa River. If you happen to look at the railing, you'll see a row of gray decorations resembling cannonballs. It's a playful design, fitting for the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace, which was built to manufacture cannons. The quietly flowing Furukawa River and the cannonball railings that evoke a sense of history—it's a small point of interest where the history of this land subtly breathes.
Viewing Mount Fuji from a high vantage point is also highly recommended.
Another highlight of this location is the view of Mount Fuji from the hilltop. If you climb the slope from beside the adjacent reverberatory furnace souvenir shop, "Kuraya Narusawa Tan'an," you can see Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Surrounded by a historically significant reverberatory furnace and the rich natural beauty characteristic of Izu, you can enjoy the majestic view of Mount Fuji in the distance. The fact that you can enjoy both the "history" and "nature" of Izu in one place is also a major attraction.
Enjoy a stroll with Chocolat and reflect on Japan during the late Edo period.
Surrounded by greenery and with the soothing sound of the Furukawa River, this is a very quiet place. When you visit Izunokuni City, please feel free to stop by and enjoy the history of the late Edo period and the tranquil scenery.
Nirayama Reflection Road (World Cultural Heritage Site)
Address: 268 Naka, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-2113
TEL: 055-949-3450
Opening hours:
March to September: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; October to February: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed days: Every third Wednesday of the month (or the following day if it's a public holiday), New Year's holidays (December 31st to January 1st)
Admission fee: General admission (high school students and older) 500 yen / Students and children 50 yen
Parking: Yes
Dogs allowed: Inside the building (carried or in a dog stroller or carrier). Outside the building, dogs are allowed.
https://www.city.izunokuni.shizuoka.jp/bunka_bunkazai/manabi/bunkazai/hansyaro/
