Tono Travel Tips

Recommended

—

1 of 4 in Iwate Prefecture

Tono (遠野, Tōno) is a charming rural town tucked in the hills of central Iwate Prefecture, where legends come alive through centuries-old folklore. The town is especially famous for tales of the kappa—a mischievous turtle-like water spirit said to haunt rivers and ponds. These creatures, known for their love of cucumbers and pranks, serve both as warnings and beloved cultural symbols. Statues, souvenirs, and imagery of the kappa can be spotted throughout the town, adding a playful yet eerie character to Tono.

Japanese folklore thrives in Tono thanks to the efforts of folklorist Yanagita Kunio and local storyteller Sasaki Kizen, who recorded these oral traditions in the 1910 book Legends of Tono. Storytelling events in Japanese are still held today at folk villages, museums, and even some hotels, letting visitors experience the magic firsthand. Surrounded by rustic scenery and traditional farms, Tono offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s mythical heart.

Getting around

In Tono, the station and museums are close together in the town center, which is easy to walk around. But many other sights are farther away. For example, the Chiba Residence is about 8 km west of the station, and Furusato Village is about 8 km to the north. Buses connect these places, but they don’t run often. On weekends from late April to early November, there are guided bus tours in Japanese that visit several spots.

You can also rent a bicycle near the station, but the area is hilly, so it might be a bit tough. Prices start at around 700 yen for 4 hours, but some shops don’t rent bikes in winter. A rental car is another good choice. You can rent one in Kitakami, which is about an hour’s drive from Tono via the free Kamaishi Expressway.