Tono Course Home of Folk Tales and Denshoen

Known for the Tales of Tono, this town is the home where Japans old stories still live on. Amid gentle rural scenery, thatched-roof folk houses and pools tied to the kappa legend are scattered about. It is a soothing day course where time flows slowly.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Tono Station Pick up a map in front of the station first. Many sights are a little spread out, so a rental bicycle or car is handy.

10:00 Arrive at Denshoen This facility features relocated thatched-roof folk houses. Viewing the earthen-floored rooms with their sunken hearths and old farm tools, you can feel the life of Tono.

11:00 Meet the Oshirasama deities Within the grounds is a hall enshrining a thousand Oshirasama figures. Take a moment to learn the story of these deities handed down in Tono.

12:00 Lunch with local cuisine Try simple regional dishes passed down in Tono, such as hittsumi.

13:30 Stroll Kappabuchi A pool beside a small stream where the kappa legend lingers. Surrounded by quiet greenery, let your thoughts drift into the world of old tales.

14:30 Stop by Jokenji Temple This temple stands near Kappabuchi. It has sights unique to Tono, such as kappa guardian statues.

15:30 Return to Tono Station

Highlights

At Denshoen, the highlights are the thatched-roof folk houses and the thousand Oshirasama figures. The spaces where old life remains just as it was make you forget the passage of time. Kappabuchi is the spot that symbolizes the folklore of Tono. Gazing at the quiet pool wrapped in greenery, you may feel as if you have wandered into the world of the old tales.

Access and Tips

Since the sights of Tono are spread across the area, travel by rental bicycle or car is convenient. Riding through the rural scenery is a pleasure unique to Tono. It is best to take your time and savor the landscape along the way.

A Quick Tip

Tono is a town whose flavor deepens the more slowly you spend your time. Do not rush, and enjoy the rice-field scenery and the atmosphere of the folk houses as you go. If you are interested in the old tales, reading a little of the Tales of Tono beforehand makes the trip far more enjoyable.