Preview the World of 'Tales of Tono' at Japan's First Folklore Museum
About this spot
Located at the foot of Nabekura Castle ruins, about a 10-minute walk from Tono Station, this is Japan's first dedicated folklore museum. Themed around Yanagita Kunio's 'Tales of Tono' and the folklore of the Tono region, it presents the complete picture of the 'homeland of folktales' through video theaters, dioramas, and rich folk material collections. The animated folktales shown on the multi-screen theater are so well done that even adults get drawn in, and you can get a preview of all the legendary characters you'll soon encounter—kappas, Oshirasama, Zashiki-warashi (house spirits), and more. The exhibits of farm tools and religious artifacts conveying the mountain village lifestyle are also worth seeing. Stopping here at the beginning of your course will greatly heighten your understanding of the landscapes you'll see at Kappa Fuchi and Densho-en.
Tips
About 10 minutes on foot from JR Kamaishi Line Tono Station. The entrance is located at the back of the building, which it shares with the municipal library. Ask at the reception desk about combination tickets with other facilities in the city like Tono Stories Hall. Note that the museum closes for exhibit changes and on the last day of the month, so check the opening calendar in advance.
Best time to visit
Plan for about 60 minutes. The early morning after opening is quiet and lets you view exhibits at a leisurely pace. Timing your visit with the video theater showings makes for efficient viewing.
Access & map
〒028-0515 Iwate Prefecture, Tono City, Higashitachi-cho 3-9
Model course featuring this spot
Tono: Kappa Fuchi and a Journey Through Folktale Country
Iwate
Explore features & model courses
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