Kappa-buchi Pool & Meganebashi Bridge

Kappa-buchi or Kappa Pool, with its gently flowing waters, is shrouded in dense, lush vegetation.

One could easily imagine a Kappa appearing at any moment at Kappa-buchi.

Along the banks of the pool stand two Kappa statues and a small shrine dedicated to a "deity of lactation"; it is said that if a woman with a child prays here for an abundant supply of breast milk, her wish will be granted.

Gohyakurakan In Tono

It is said that in 1765, 500 figures of disciples of the Buddha were carved into natural stones on the mountainside to commemorate those who perished during the Great Tenmei Famine. 

Rather than being three-dimensional sculptures, these figures are rendered as line carvings, resembling drawings.

Image of Buddha Is Carved Into The Rock

Image of Buddha Is Carved Into The Rock

Folklore Creature "kappa"

In Japanese folklore, the kappa or "river-child" is a familiar type of water monster, considered one of three major yokai.

Kappa are said to be inhabiting the ponds and rivers of Japan.

Folklore Creature "Tengu"

Tono City

Tono City is the setting for Kunio Yanagita’s "Tono Monogatari" or "The Legends of Tono" and is home to traditional folklore featuring creatures such as "kappa" and "zashiki-warashi."

The city is located inland in the southeastern part of Iwate Prefecture.