This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
Tono City in Iwate Prefecture has long been known as a "treasure trove of strange occurrences." The famous work "Tono Monogatari" (Tales of Tono) (1909) by folklorist Kunio Yanagita became widely known, andnumerous tales of yokai and strange creatures, including kappa and zashiki-warashi, were introduced to the whole country.
Even today, the supernatural is passed down as a living culture through tourist spots and local events. Today, we will introduce the supernatural legends of Tono from a trivia perspective
Representative yokai of Tono
Among the yokai (supernatural beings) of Tono, the most famous and beloved are the"kappa," "zashiki-warashi," and "tengu." All of them have been passed down through generations, sometimes feared, sometimes loved, and continue to live on as symbols of Tono.
Kappa - the lord of the river
When it comes to supernatural phenomena in Tono, the first thing that comes to mind is the kappa.terrifying beings that live in the depths of rivers and drag people and horses into the water. However, there are also stories of them being helpful, such as teaching humans how to heal the injured. The most representative setting for these stories is "Kappa-buchi" at Jokenji Temple, which still attracts many tourists today.
★Fun Fact: While cucumbers are famously known as kappa's favorite food, the Tono Monogatari (Tales of Tono) also contains a unique record stating that they become tame when given sake.
Zashiki Warashi - Children who bring good fortune
Zashiki-warashi are yokai (supernatural beings) in the form of children that live in houses and are believed to bring happiness to the homeowner.houses inhabited by Zashiki-warashi prosper, and those that depart decline, so people have cherished their presence. Even today, there are inns in Tono City and in the Kindaichi Onsenkyo hot spring area of Ninohe City, Iwate Prefecture, that are known as "inns where Zashiki-warashi appear," and they are popular among tourists.
★Fun Fact: Zashiki-warashi are not simply "children who bring good luck," but are actually known for their mischievous nature. Stories tell of them hiding adults' belongings and making noise in the middle of the night to surprise them.
Tengu - A resident of another world who protects the mountains
One supernatural being associated with the mountains of Tono that cannot be forgotten is the Tengu. They are sometimes described as resembling ascetic monks, and sometimes depicted as crow-like creatures."masters" who impart wisdom and skills to asceticsthere are also stories of them appearing as
★Trivia Point: While the tengu's "long nose" is often considered a symbol of arrogance, in Tono, there is a theory that it "shows the strength of the mountain's spiritual power."
The strange world depicted in "The Tales of Tono"
It was the renowned work "Tono Monogatari" (Tales of Tono), by folklorist Kunio Yanagita, that brought the supernatural phenomena of Tono to national attention. Published in 1909 (Meiji 42), this bookthe earliest systematic records of Japanese oral literature and folk beliefs. It is not merely a collection of ghost stories, but rather a "record of folklore" that directly reflects the lives and views of nature of the people of that time.
What kind of book is "Tono Monogatari"?
"Tono Monogatari" (Tales of Tono) is a collection of stories gathered by Kizen Sasaki, a native of Tono (whom Yanagita called "the Japanese Grimm"), and compiled and organized by Kunio Yanagita. It consists of 119 stories, including not only tales of the supernatural such as kappa, zashiki-warashi, and tengu, but also stories about mountain life, marriage customs, and views on life and death. In other words, ita book in which "folktales" and "life history" coexist.
Kappa and the Tales of Tono
In "Tono Monogatari," the kappa is depicted not merely as a monster, but as a symbol of "the awe of the river." The story of people drowning in the river being attributed to being "drowned by a kappa"a warning against dangerous bodies of water. Furthermore, there are episodes in which kappa impart medical knowledge to humans, suggesting that these supernatural beings were also interpreted as wisdom useful in people's lives.
★Trivia Point : The "Tales of Tono" contains a story about a villager who cut off the arm of a kappa (water imp). Later, the kappa is said to have come begging for its arm back, and this anecdote is known as a rare example of "negotiation between the other world and humans."
Zashiki-warashi and the Tales of Tono
The Zashiki-warashi also appears repeatedly in the "Tono Monogatari" (Tales of Tono). While it is depicted as a being that inhabits wealthy homes and brings prosperity to them, there are also records of it disappearing from a home, signifying its downfall. The people of Tono fear and revere this being, anda symbol of the importance of cherishing one's homehave passed down stories of it as
★Trivia Point: Kunio Yanagita interpreted the legend of the Zashiki-warashi as "an expression of folk belief that finds spirituality in the house itself." The fact that it was considered a "sign of happiness" despite being a supernatural being is a unique case even within Japanese yokai legends.
Tengu and the Tales of Tono
As a representative example of supernatural phenomena associated with mountains, the "Tales of Tono" also records anecdotes about tengu. When ascetics or villagers disappeared in the mountains, it was said that they had been "kidnapped by tengu." Tengu were not only terrifying beings that deceived people, butspiritual beings closely associated with mountain worship and Shugendo (also
★Trivia Point: The tengu that appear in "Tono Monogatari" (Tales of Tono) are not always depicted with long noses; they are sometimes represented as black shadows or strong winds. This shows that the image of the tengu has changed over time and across different regions.
Strange events reveal wisdom for daily life
The supernatural tales in "Tono Monogatari" are not just stories meant to scare people. There are kappa tales to prevent river accidents, zashiki-warashi tales to teach the importance of taking care of one's home, and tengu tales to convey a sense of awe towards the mountains. All of them functioned as "practical wisdom" that supported people's lives.that the supernatural were not unrealistic beings, but ratherthings that were closely connected to real life.
The relationship between the mysterious happenings and Tono's natural scenery
The legends of the supernatural in Tono are inseparable from the natural environment in which the people have lived. The landscape itself—mountains, rivers, and forests—was mysterious and sometimes terrifying to the people."stories" to help them understand and share their awe of naturewere born as
The connection between mountains, rivers, forests and the supernatural
Tono is surrounded by mountains on three sides and is blessed with clear streams and forests. While this rich natural environment supports people's lives, it also poses a threat to their lives
Mountains are a place where people talk about "Tengu" and "mountain gods" as the background to disappearances and accidents
The river is a setting where memories of drowning and flooding are linked to "kappa" and "water spirits."
The forest is dark even during the day, and it was believed that beings beyond human comprehension lurked there
In otherthe personification of nature itselfmay have been
The reason why awe and respect for nature gave birth to legends of the supernatural
In the days before modern flood control and mountain trails, nature was seen as possessing immeasurable power. To understand its terror and wonder, people gave natural phenomena a "face" and turned them into easy-to-tell stories
Flood → Kappa's work
Disappearance in the mountains → Kidnapped by Tengu
Mysterious sounds in the forest → Voices of spirits and monsters
These interpretations not only alleviated fear but also served to instill a sense of respect for nature within the community. Supernatural phenomenawisdom to avoid underestimatingwere, in a sense,
Legends of strange happenings depending on the season and time of day
The strange happenings of Tono are often associated with time and seasons
The legend that if you approach a river on a summer evening, you will be pulled in by a kappa is a sign of the dangers of waterside areas
Stories about encountering Tengu or mountain gods in the mountains in winter are fables that convey the horror of snowy mountains
Midnight and the hour of the Ox were considered "boundary times" when supernatural phenomena were more likely to occur, and this became an excuse for forbidding children from going outside
In other words, supernatural phenomenathe rhythms of nature and the time of human life, and can be seen as a kind of mechanism that protects people's lifestyles.
Enjoy the mysterious culture of modern Tono
Tono is a treasure trove of supernatural legends, and at the same time, a town where you can enjoy them as a tourist attraction. By actually visiting places associated with yokai (supernatural beings) and participating in events where folktales are told, youcan experience the "Tales of Tono" in a way that goes beyond reading books.We have picked out some spots where you can experience the culture of the supernatural.
Kappa Falls
The most famous yokai (supernatural creature) spot in Tono is undoubtedly "Kappa-buchi" (Kappa Pool) behind Jokenji Temple. Looking down at the river from the wooden bridge over the small stream, it feels as if a kappa could appear at any moment.The tourist information center sells unique "Kappa Hunting Permits," which are popular as souvenirs for travelers.
Information
Name: Kappa Pool
Location: Tsuchibuchicho, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture
In Tono, there are several inns known for being haunted by zashiki-warashi (house spirits).Among them, some long-established inns and guesthouseshave a reputation for offering mystical experiences that go beyond mere sightseeing, with guests reporting feeling the presence of children or seeing them in their dreams.
Information
Name: Minshuku Otogi-ya
Address: 2-7 Shinkokucho, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture
If you're looking to experience local folklore, Tono Furusato Village is a must-visit. In a village of relocated thatched-roof houses,you can enjoy folktales told by storytellers and participate in farming and folk craft activities. Itsappeal lies in the opportunity to experience not only yokai (supernatural beings) and supernatural phenomena, but also the entire lifestyle of the time.
Information
Name: Tono Furusato Village
Address: 5-89-1 Uematsukeumaushi, Uematsukemachi, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture
Opening hours: March to October 9:00-17:00, November to February 9:00-16:00
Closed: New Year's holiday, winter holidays, every Wednesday from January to February
Google Map
and
Conclusion: The charm of Tono, where the supernatural still lives today
The strange occurrences of Tono are not merely folktales or superstitions, but rather a reflection of the wisdom of a life that respects nature and cherishes human connections. Even as a tourist, youcan touch upon the "primal landscape of the Japanese heart" through the yokai (supernatural beings). The next time you visit Tono, why not not just see it as a tourist spot, but also listen to the presence of the supernatural that breathes there?
![What day is it today? Tohoku Edition [0731]](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0731-1-150x150.png.webp "[What day is it today? | Tohoku Edition] What day is July 31st?")
