Nestled in a mountain valley in the central part of Iwate, one of Japan’s most northern prefectures, lies the quiet hamlet of Tono. Known as the ‘City of Folklore,’ this peaceful rural enclave is home to some of Japan’s most famous legends, well-preserved traditions and architecture, Buddhist wonders, and delicious cuisine and craft beer.
In 1910 pioneering Japanese folkorist Yanagita Kunia published a collection of folk legends, stories, and traditions. Yanagita’s “Tono Monogatari” shifted attention to rural northern folklore. The most famous local yokai from the stories they collected is the kappa. Kappa are frog-like malevolent spirits which drown unsuspecting children. Legend has it that the kappa can be defeated through the use of cucumbers and good manners, so you may happen upon some enterprising hunters fishing for kappa with cucumbers if you take a stroll to Kappabuchi pond. Why not join them yourself?
Tono is home to a wealth of archaeological sites from the Jomon period onwards. Farmers routinely discover pottery shards and arrowheads from earlier Emishi and later samurai inhabitants. Today, the city is home to three well-preserved folk villages from the Edo period. The largest of these, the Tono Furusato Village, contains a number of traditional Namba Magariya, L-shaped thatched homes. The folk villages here offer a number of hands-on experiences, from farming and fishing to weaving and storytelling. You can also see the remains of Nabekura castle in downtown Tonno, built to protect against the Date clan of Sendai.
Despite its distance from the seat of Buddhism in Japan, Tono is home to two of the most incredible Buddhist artworks in the country. At seventeen meters high, Fukusenji temples’ wooden Kannon statue is the largest in the country. A short hike in the southern mountains leads to another stunning sight: 380 granite carved kakan, or buddhist disciplines, lining the edges of a creek bed. These are said to be the remains of 500 such carvings made by a local monk to pay respects for the victims of a famine.
A visitor to Tono is guaranteed to eat well. Tono is known for its Genghis Khan, a lamb barbeque dish cooked on a helmet shaped pan right at the table, and for wheat dumplings called hitsumi. The town also produces some of the best wasabi in Japan, a fact that a local brewery has fully embraced. Why not give the local wasabi beer a try?
For those with a love of agriculture, multiple farming experiences are available. If you are interested, please reach out via our contact form. This village grows some of the best vegetables and mushrooms you will ever have, and the charming local farmers are ready and willing to chat about their hard work!
Tono is located approximately 4 hours via bullet train and local train from Tokyo. It is a good idea to have a rental car or a bus pass if you want to visit the further-flung sightseeing spots.
While there are no commercial links for tours or experiences with instant bookings, visitors who take the time to plan a trip here will be rewarded by Tono’s deep cultural ambience and old-world charm.
A 5-day, 4-night tour to experience the best of cuisine and craftsmanship in the Uetsu area of Japan. Observe and experience techniques for making outstanding kitchenware of the master craftsmen of Tsubame-Sanjo and enjoy cooking and dining experiences with chefs of Tsuruoka City, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
A four-day, three-night tour to experience the highlights of the Uetsu region of Japan, with a special focus on nature and its connections with the local spiritual and culinary cultures.
From Niigata to Yamagata, experience the charm and beauty of traditions of craftsmanship in the Uetsu region of Japan. Experience Japan’s “monozukuri” tradition for yourself while learning about the history and charm of creation in each area.
Experience what it felt like to be a retainer of the castle town of the Sendai Date clan. You will have the opportunity to try out drawing a real sword, which is something you don’t usually get to do, and try out tea at the Zangetsu-tei teahouse, where you will experience the mindset of a samurai.
A private guided tour that lets you experience the scenic, cultural, and historical highlights of Sendai and Matsushima all in just one day.
In this special experience, make a night visit the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the samurai who built the foundation of Sendai. After a special viewing of the main hall, enjoy a performance of Japanese musical instruments in a solemn atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience at this remarkable place.
Sendai is a dynamic and historically significant city bursting with culture, history, nature, and tradition. On this tour, hit Sendai’s top sightseeing destinations, experience hands-on cultural, culinary and crafting experiences, and get to know the tradition and culture of this fascinating city.
Nestled at the foot of the Zao Mountain Range in southern Miyagi Prefecture is the historic castle town of Shiroishi, a community deeply tied to the legacy of the Katakura Clan and the samurai spirit of Japan’s feudal past.
Snow Monsters are synonomous with winter on Mount Zao—read on to find out how to access them, the best times to visit, and more!
Kayak through the submerged forests of Yamagata in the dams of Iide high up in mountains during the sunrise in spring time.
The Uesugi Festival commemorates the samurai clan who once ruled Yonezawa. The main event is a reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima.
Embark on a journey to experience the unspoiled wilderness of the Okitama region in rural Yamagata, Japan. Visit the places written about generations past, enjoying the sights, locals, cuisine and culture of the land.
