All Must-Sees Tono Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

All Must-Sees Tono Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

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About This Tour in Iwate Prefecture

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Tono! Tōno is a rural town in the hills of central Iwate Prefecture. The area is notable for its rustic landscapes and traditional farming culture. But Tono is best known as a repository of Japanese folklore due to its legends of spirits, animals and supernatural creatures. This rich oral tradition was passed down through generations of storytellers. Your guide will start your day with a morning pickup at your hotel. Let us know what special requests you have for the day and we will customize your itinerary in advance! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Why Visit Iwate Prefecture?

Iwate Prefecture, Japan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Iwate Prefecture provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.

Getting to Iwate Prefecture

You can reach Iwate Prefecture, Japan by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city has excellent public transportation systems, including trains, subways, and buses. Taxis are widely available, and the transportation infrastructure is efficient and reliable.

What's Included

  • Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Tono
  • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
  • Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list

What's Not Included

  • Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
  • Private Vehicle
  • You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
  • Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Tour dates can be changed up to 2 days before the tour. Any tour date change may result in a change of tour guide or tour unavailability.
  • Pick up & Drop Off is on foot

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers

Pickup Time: 10 minutes before departure

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

It is claimed that a number of mischievous... 30 minutes

It is claimed that a number of mischievous Kappa river sprites, which love to threaten people and play tricks on passersby, live in the small stream in Tsuchibuchi-cho running behind Joken-ji Temple. Apparently the Kappa appear even now along the clear stream hidden by the surrounding thickets. Near the stream is a small shrine to the Kappa gods where expectant mothers go and leave breast-shaped red clothes to pray that they will be able to breastfeed their child.

A small wayside shrine known to be the home of the god of love 30 minutes

A small wayside shrine known to be the home of the god of love. Buy a small red cloth from the unmanned shop in the shrine grounds, tie it to a tree with just your left hand and you’ll be tied with the one you love.

Experience the pure rustic lifestyle of the Tono region 1 hour

Experience the pure rustic lifestyle of the Tono region! In this theme park, you will be able to see the Kikuchi Residence, a registered important cultural asset, a memorial museum to Kizen Sasaki (the Tono local who worked with Kunio Yanagida on The Legends of Tono), as well as Oshirado Hall where you will see a thousand Oshirasama.

You can see images and listen to recordings... 1 hour

You can see images and listen to recordings of folklore in Hall of Stories, or listen live to the stories from an official storyteller at the Tono Theatre, see the display on Kunio Yanagita, author of The Legends of Tono. There is also a restaurant and gift shop on site.

Theme park, a recreated nostalgic rural village in Tono 1 hour

Theme park, a recreated nostalgic rural village in Tono. You can experience local folk craft, regional cuisine, an listen to folk tales. Experience traditions handed down through the generations and all the other unique mountain village life.

Farmer's private residence built approximately 200 years ago 1 hour

Farmer's private residence built approximately 200 years ago. The L-shaped house is called "Nanbu Magariya" , unique to this region, where people and hourses lived under the same roof. The house is a registered Important Cultural Assett. * Scheduled to re-open in 2025 after renovation.

Opened in 1980, this is the first museum in Japan devoted to folk customs 1 hour

Opened in 1980, this is the first museum in Japan devoted to folk customs. Focused around The Legends of Tono, you will see displays and videos about the nature, life, culture and history of Tono and its people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

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