Tono hometown village

You can meet the original scenery of Japanese people! There are many attractions in Tono, Iwate Prefecture.

Tono City, located about an hour by train from Shin-Hanamaki Station, is home to numerous folk tales and legends. There are many charming spots, such as old-fashioned houses and a river where kappa are said to have lived, where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere

This time, we will introduce some popular spots and recommended gourmet food


Can you catch a kappa at Kappa Pond?

If you come to Tono, you should definitely visit Kappabuchi in Tsuchibuchicho. This stream flows behind Jokenji Temple and is said to have once been inhabited by a red kappa. There is a shrine to the Kappa God on the bank, and you may be granted good fortune if you pray there

It's surprising that if you're lucky you might even encounter a kappa. If you want to try catching one, you can purchase a kappa capture permit for 200 yen at the tourist information center "Tabi no Kura Tono" in front of Tono Station and give it a try

Kappa-buchi <Information>

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Studying folk tales at the Denshoen and Tono Monogatari no Yakata

For those interested in folklore and Japanese old tales, we recommend two places: Denshoen and Tono Monogatari no Yakata

The traditional garden recreates the lifestyle of farmers in the past, creating a very atmospheric atmosphere. It's also fun to listen to old stories from storytellers.
You can purchase cute "Mayuzashiki Warashi" and kappa dolls at the souvenir shop.

The Tono Story Museum has a variety of unique exhibits that you can enjoy viewing. There is also a restaurant and a souvenir shop, so it's a great place to stop by for a break

Denshoen Garden <Information>

  • Name: Densoen
  • Address: 5-1 Tsuchibuchi 6, Tsuchibuchicho, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, 028-0555
  • Phone number: 0198-62-8655
  • Official URL: https://www.densyoen.jp/

Google Map


Tono Story House <Information>

  • Name: Tono Story House
  • Address: 2-11 Chuodori, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, 028-0523
  • Phone number: 0198-62-7887
  • Official URL: Tono Story House

Google Map


Pray for love at "Ushitori Shrine"

Located about a two-minute drive from the Tono Monogatari no Yakata, Unotori Shrine is a small shrine dedicated to the water god. It is famous as the god of love fulfillment, and it is said that if you write your wish on a red cloth, which can be purchased for 100 yen, and tie it with your left hand, you will be blessed with a good match. There are many red cloths fluttering around, so you will be able to find the shrine without getting lost

Mr. Unotori <Information>

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When it comes to Tono cuisine, Genghis Khan is the first thing that comes to mind!

While Hokkaido is often associated with Jingisukan, it is also popular in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture.
In Tono City, where many homes once raised sheep, fresh lamb was easy to obtain, and it is still commonly eaten in ordinary households today.

One of the most famous Tono Jingisukan restaurants is Jingisukan Anbe in Hayase Town. Established over 60 years ago, this establishment's lamb shoulder set meal is popular. They also serve mutton, so it's recommended for those who like firmer meat

Maruman Jingisukan, run directly by a butcher, is also popular. Local ingredients such as apples from Tono and garlic from Tago are used as secret flavors, allowing you to enjoy Jingisukan that can only be enjoyed here

Genghis Khan Ambe <Information>

  • Name: Genghis Khan Ambe
  • Address: 2-4-12 Hayasecho, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, 028-0542
  • Phone number: 0198-62-4077
  • Official URL: Tabelog – Jingisukan Ambe

Google Map


Maruman Jingisukan <Information>

  • Name: Maruman Jingisukan
  • Address: 1-8 Chuo-dori, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, 028-0523
  • Phone number: 0198-60-1185
  • Official URL: Tabelog – Maruman Jingisukan

Google Map


summary

Tono City may not be large, but there are many different spots to visit and you can spend the whole day exploring. It's also home to famous gourmet dishes such as Tono Jingisukan, so be sure to try them. It's recommended for those who want to experience Iwate Prefecture in a slightly different way than the standard


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