Tono Travel Tips

Recommended

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1 of 4 in Iwate Prefecture

Tono (遠野, Tōno) is a rural town in the forested hills of central Iwate Prefecture, known as one of Japan’s most storied centers of folklore. The town is especially famous for its legends of the kappa—mischievous, turtle-like water spirits believed to inhabit rivers and ponds. These creatures, known for playing tricks and their love of cucumbers, appear throughout Tono in the form of statues, artwork, and souvenirs, lending the town an atmosphere that is both playful and mysterious.

Tono’s rich mythological identity was preserved through the efforts of folklorist Yanagita Kunio and local storyteller Sasaki Kizen, who documented the area’s oral traditions in the 1910 classic Legends of Tono. Thanks to their work, the stories live on today through regular storytelling events, folk museums, and preserved villages that recreate the region’s traditional lifestyle. Set against a backdrop of quiet farmland and forested mountains, Tono offers travelers a rare and immersive journey into Japan’s enchanted folklore heritage.

Getting around

In Tono, the station and museums are located close together in the town center, which is easy to explore on foot. However, many other sights are farther away. For example, the Chiba Residence is about 8 km west of the station, and Furusato Village is roughly 8 km to the north. While buses connect these places, they run infrequently. On weekends from late April to early November, guided bus tours (in Japanese) are available and visit several key attractions.

You can also rent a bicycle near the station, but since the area is hilly, cycling can be a bit challenging. Rental prices start at around 700 yen for 4 hours, though some shops don’t offer bike rentals during winter. Renting a car is another good option. You can pick one up in Kitakami, about an hour’s drive from Tono via the free Kamaishi Expressway.