Tono Folklore

Time Travel into the World of Tono Monogatari: Discover Kappa Legends & the Spirit of Oshirasama at Tono Furusato Village Tono Furusato Village We left the coast of Rikuzentakata and headed inland to Tono, the legendary land of folklore in Iwate. Just about an hour’s drive—and totally worth the trip. As a middle schooler, I was obsessed with Yanagita Kunio’s Tono Monogatari and dreamed of visiting someday… it took a while, but here I am, all grown up and finally living the dream. Tono is famous for its kappa legends, and yes, there was even a wanted poster for a ...

Step into the World of Folklore! Discovering the Tono Municipal Museum & Monogatari Hall Tono Municipal Museum Nestled in the heart of Iwate Prefecture, the Tono Municipal Museum opened in 1980 as Japan's first museum dedicated to folklore studies. Much of the museum’s exhibition revolves around the tales from Tono Monogatari, offering deep insights into the traditions, beliefs, and lifestyle of the Tono region. The museum is located inside the same building as the public library, so the entrance is a bit tricky to find—but the exhibits are absolutely fascinating and totally worth the hunt! Tono Municipal Museum Address: 5-5 ...

Looking for Love? Visit Tono’s Hidden Matchmaking Shrine: Unedori Jinja Unedori Jinja If you're searching for true love—or just hoping to boost your romantic luck—Unedori Jinja in the hills of Tono might just be your magical stop Pass through the vivid red torii gate and step into a tiny, secluded shrine. You'll be greeted by hundreds of fluttering red cloths. It might feel a little eerie at first, but each cloth carries someone's heartfelt wish. Here’s the ritual: Buy a piece of red cloth at the unmanned stall, write your wish on it, and then—this is key—tie it to ...