Tono, Iwate: A Town That Influenced Many Traditional Folk Tales

Iwate prefecture is the second largest prefecture after Hokkaido. Iwate is quiet and relaxing. It is largely characterized by rural land and valleys. Tono basin valley, which influenced many folktales, can make you feel like you have traveled back in time.

I rented a bicycle at the Tono Tourist Information Center in front of the JR Tono station. The worker spoke English and gave me useful tourist information. She also gave me a sightseeing map for Tono. This map is available from the link below.
http://tonojikan.kir.jp/tonojikan_system_admin/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tonoenglishmap.pdf

According to the worker there, it is useful to have the map downloaded onto your smartphones before you leave.

I visited a convenience store to buy an onigiri rice ball and a drink. I then decided to go the Denshoen. The Denshoen has many old houses, including the Kikuchi Family Magariya and the Oshirado doll Hall, where you can listen to an old woman tell stories from the Tono folktale.

On the way to the Denshoen, I saw a golden rice paddy that was ready for harvest. Tono is full of rich and beautiful landscapes. I stopped my bicycle and sat on the bank of the paddy and stayed there for a while just to look at the great view.

I feel so happy when I bike through the nature-rich town of Tono.

For your information :
Travel agent for Farmers stay in Tono : Tono Natural Life Network
http://www.tonotv.com/members/yamasatonet/PDF/English-npo.pdf
Contact : kuwahata.yamasatonet@gmail.com