”Tono Monogatari” was written by the father of Japanese folklore studies, Yanagita Kunio. Travel to the stories that have been passed down through generations of Tono people.
Tono City in Iwate Prefecture is situated in a basin surrounded by mountains, where traditional rural landscape spread out over the city.
About 100 years ago, folk literature and local legends were assembled into a well-known book “Tono Monogatari” by a famous folklorist, Yanagita Kunio.
- Train
- From Sendai area, take Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Hanamaki Station, then transfer to JR Kamaishi Line and get off at Tono Station. It takes 2 hours from Sendai.
- OR
- Bus
- Tono-Kamaishi line bus connecting Tokyo and Tono Station, and bus Kamaishi Sendai line bus connecting Sendai and Tono Station. A seat reservation is required for both services.
Tono Station
Kappa, character who appears in “Tono Monogatari”, will greet you when you arrive at the station. Although they look kind of spooky, Kappa is the symbol of the city, so they are everywhere around the city. MAP
If you choose to explore the city by bike, bike for rent is available from April to November at the Tono Tourist Information Center around Tono Station. Ride a bike around the spectacular Tono that surrounded by mountains will give you a refreshing feeling.
- Rent Bike
- Takes around 30 minutes by bike.
- OR
- Taxi
- Takes around 10 minutes by taxi.
- OR
- Bus
- The bus from Tono Station to Densho-en Park comes every 1 to 2 hours.
Tono Densho-en Park
A small folk village in Tono where you can find an old house that has been reconstructed. Densho-en Park is the perfect spot to experience the rural life of Tono people.
At the back of Magariya (local farmhouse/bent house), there is a place called Oshira-do (Oshira Hall). Inside the Oshira-do there are countless number of Oshirasama statues, the god of silk production and agriculture. The hall became a vital place of folk beliefs in Tono.
Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, admission fee: adult 320 yen, high school students and under: 220 yen. MAP
- Walk
- About 10 minutes on foot.
Jokenji Temple
It is said that this temple has over 500 years of history. In addition to the temple, “Kappa Komainu” or Kappa Guardian Dog stone statue is also popular among visitors.
And surprisingly, Jokenji Temple has a hidden Christian statue. This made us think about religious diversity in this region. MAP
- Walk
- Just a short walk to the backside of the temple.
Kappabuchi Pond
At first glance, you may think it’s just an ordinary stream, but it is said that there are many “Kappa” lives here. MAP
You will need a “Kappa License” to catch Kappas who live in the water, and you may also need to bring cucumber as bait. You can go online to apply for the license.
- Rent Bike
- Head back the way you came to the station, it takes about 30 minutes.
- OR
- Taxi
- Takes around 10 minutes by taxi.
Tono Monogatari-kan Museum
A museum exhibits about folktales and stories around Japan.
In addition to experiencing the world of folklore through videos and illustrations, there is also a specific exhibition about Yanagita Kunio. Both children and adult can enjoy the museum’s facilities.
Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, admission fee: adult 500 yen, high school students and under 200 yen MAP
There were more rock towers along the roadside than in other regions. Looking down from a high place, an early-ripening variety of rice just ripening and the late growing rice were in full bloom. The water had been drained back into the river. The shades of the rice change depend on the variety of rice.
Tono Monogatari, by Yanagita Kunio
Yanagita Kunio portrayed the scenery of the place on the preface of “Tono Monogatari” book.
Paddies and rustic houses are spread all around the city. Tono is a place that can make someone feels like returning to hometown.
- Train
- From Tono Station, it is possible to head towards Kamaishi or Hanamaki by JR Kamaishi Line. From Kamaishi, Sanriku Railway runs along the Pacific coast.
- OR
- Bus
- You can take the Tono-Kamaishi Line to get to Tokyo, and take the Kamaishi Sendai Line to Sendai.