Sightseeing Spots

Ungiwaji Temple

Ungiwaji Temple was a branch of a mountain temple that was the predecessor of the Tendai Sect's Sekizan Chusonji Temple, founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin in 850. In 1186, when Minamoto no Yoshitsune came down to Hiraizumi, Oshu, with his 12 masters, servants, and legal wife Kitakata, this temple was rebuilt by Kitakata. After the defeat, the memorial tablets of Yoshitsune and Kitakata were enshrined by the monks who attended the temple. Destroyed by fire in 2008. The building has been rebuilt, but a replica of the memorial tablet is on display at the History Museum.

Tendai Sect Myokenyama Kuroishi Temple

It is said to have been founded by Gyoki Bosatsu in the first year of Tenpyo (729) in the Nara period, and was called Tokozan Yakushiji, but it was destroyed by fire. Later, in the second year of the Kasho era (849), Jikaku Daishi rebuilt this ancient temple of the Tendai sect. The principal image of the temple, the Yakushi Nyorai Seated Statue, which is designated as a nationally designated important cultural property, is the only Jokan-inscribed Buddha in Japan and is inscribed in the 4th year of the Jokan era. Additionally, from the night of the 7th day of the lunar new year to the next morning, the Kuroishiji Somin Festival, a festival of naked men and flames, is held to pray for warding off misfortune and a good harvest.

Osanai mountain stream

A valley located upstream of the Osanai River. It is attractive for its vibrant colors throughout the four seasons, with the fresh greenery in spring and the autumn leaves creating a stunning contrast with the white rock surface. Downstream is a dam with a height of 70m and a length of 187m, offering views of the city, Kuji Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

Kosode Ama Center (northern limit Ama diver demonstration)

Kosode Coast is a coast of cliffs and copper-colored reefs. You can watch demonstrations of free-diving fishing by the ``Northernmost Ama divers,'' who became famous in ``Ama-chan.'' Free diving demonstration: Usually on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from July to September

Geibikei Gorge

One of Japan's top 100 views. It is an approximately 2 km long gorge created by the Satetsu River eroding limestone, with approximately 100 m cliffs rising on both banks. The current is calm, and you can hear the boatman's song ``Geibi Oiwake'' as you go down the boat.

Tsurigane-do

A gaping hole in a large rock. A bell-shaped rock once hung from the ceiling of the hole. Legend has it that when a couple goes to the afterlife, they meet here and ring this bell before entering the Pure Land of Paradise.

Large ginkgo tree of Chosenji Temple

A large old tree that is 1,100 years old, 30m high, and 15m in trunk circumference, located in the precincts of Chosenji Temple in front of the city gate. There are many bumps resembling breasts at the bottom of the branches, and it is said that worshiping these bumps will cure breast diseases and improve milk production.

Ishigamiyama

This mountain, which is counted as one of the Three Mountains of Tono along with Mt. Hayachine and Mt. Rokkaku Ushiyama, has been climbed since ancient times as a mountain of faith and training. (Altitude: 1,038m) A mountain where you can enjoy 305 species of plants in 75 families, including gentian and trumpet. Pass through the wooden torii gate, follow the farm road in the forest, and climb through the larch forest to reach the cedar plantation. When you see the scree on your left, you'll see a chain-locked area, and the Okumiya is located on a ledge-like area with a steep rocky area in the background, offering a wonderful view. Above the inner shrine, there are two chains of about 20 meters in height, which are difficult for beginners and require caution even for advanced climbers. From the summit, you can see Mt. Hayachine and Mt. Rokkakuushi, and the Tono Basin spreads out below those peaks.

Tono Local Doll Folk Art Village

You can also see and experience making Tsukubagyu dolls, a traditional craft made from Japanese paper and Tono soil, which were popular in the Tsukubagyu area during the Edo period. It is run by Tono's only remaining maker of Fukubagyu dolls.

tradition garden

Curved houses, waterwheels, folk tales, gods, customs, and local cuisine. Denshoen is a facility that preserves the lifestyle culture of the Tono people that was commonplace in the past, and passes it on to future generations. Experience the original scenery of Japan's hometown with your eyes, ears, skin, and tongue. At the restaurant, you can enjoy local cuisine such as ``Hitsumi'' and ``Keiran.'' Densoen's ``Hittsumi'', which uses plenty of chicken bones, has a rich and refreshing taste, and is very popular with locals.

Jokenji Temple

An old temple of the Soto sect, founded in 1490. The stream that flows behind the shrine grounds is called ``Kappabuchi,'' and there are stories that many kappa lived there and played pranks on people.

Tono Castle Town Museum

Tono City has developed as a castle town of 12,000 koku, and has become a hub of trade connecting the inland and coastal regions, attracting many goods and people, and has become a bustling city with a variety of merchant houses. The Castle Town Museum introduces Tono during the Edo period by displaying maps of castle processions and many preserved historical items.