Tono Monogatari-no-Yakata Museum

The Tono Monogatari-no-Yakata Museum (とおの物語の館) is a captivating cultural center that brings the enchanting world of Tono’s folklore to life. Housed in a beautifully renovated former sake brewery near the Tono Municipal Museum, it presents the region’s legendary tales through immersive and creative storytelling techniques. Visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging exhibits, including films, shadow projections, atmospheric lighting, sculptures, and live storytelling performances. These elements vividly depict the supernatural creatures, ghost stories, and rural myths that folklorist Yanagita Kunio recorded in his influential 1910 book, The Legends of Tono.

One of the museum’s most memorable features is Yanagita’s original wooden house, which he had relocated from Tokyo to Tono. Carefully preserved, this cozy residence allows visitors to step into the everyday life of the man whose work helped safeguard Japan’s oral traditions. By combining historical authenticity with modern multimedia, the Tono Monogatari-no-Yakata Museum offers a rich, interactive experience that deepens appreciation for the region’s mystical past and its enduring cultural legacy.