Unshu Soroban Abacus Traditional Manufacturing Gallery

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum

4.0

The Yokota District of Okuizumo is considered the birthplace of the Japanese abacus, or soroban. Called Unshu Soroban, their production was designated a Traditional Craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) in 1987. This facility, located next to JR Izumo-Yokota Station, introduces the history, traditional techniques, tools and processes of their manufacture. There are displays of famous examples from ancient days to modern times, as well as soroban made all over Japan, so that anyone who wants can come and experience this important history and traditional themselves. The building exterior has a unique design based on a soroban bead, as well.

Spot details

Unshu Soroban Abacus Traditional Manufacturing Gallery

Address: Shimane Nita-gun Okuizumocho Yokota 992-2 Map
Area: Okuizumo Area
Phone: 0854520369
Hours: 9:00-16:30
Closed: Monday (If Sunday is a national holiday, the next day), New Year's Holiday (12/28-1/4)
Fees: [Admission fee]General310yen, High School/University Students210yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students150yen
Parking Lot: Available(20spaces)
※Common parking lot available in front of Yokota station
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Available
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Average budget: [Lunch] 1-1,000yen
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Yes (However, the toilet for the physically challenged can be used at the adjacent JR Yokota Station)
Infant friendly: Available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Review

出雲横田駅前の伝統工芸スポット

Reviewed : 2018.05.28

出雲横田駅のすぐ横です。松本清張の「砂の器」にも出てくる雲集そろばんの歴史を語ってくれる施設・。そろばんを製作する工程や工具、さらに世界のそろばんのコレクションなど内容豊富です。電卓パソコン全盛の現代ですが、ここへ来るとそろばんも風情があっていいなと思いました。
日商検定1級以上の人は行くべし

Reviewed : 2018.01.12

算盤の名産地の一つである奥出雲にあり、珠算の歴史と製造に関する展示を行っています。日によっては伝統工芸士さんの仕事場を見学することができ、旧式の1玉が5つ付いている(通常は4つ)算盤や、両面から使用できる算盤を実際に手に取って見るのは大変興味深く、工芸士さんが使用されている切削道具も非常に洗練されており面白いです。算盤技能を一定レベルにまで高めた人なら、珠算そのものの歴史について考えてみるのも良...
伝統あるそろばんの歴史を伝える産業会館

Reviewed : 2017.08.22

奥出雲町横田は、古くから伝わるそろばんの伝統を伝える全国でも希少な場所です。雲州そろばんの歴史と伝統を伝える展示品があります。