Kappa-buchi
カッパ淵
A stream from The Legends of Tōno where kappa were said to appear. Kappa shrines line the banks, and visitors can try “kappa fishing” with a cucumber on the line.
Kappa-buchi is a shallow stream that flows behind Jōkenji Temple in Tōno. The Legends of Tōno records that kappa often appeared here and dragged horses into the water. Green trees shade the stream, and on the bank stand a small shrine dedicated to kappa and kappa stone statues. It is said that praying at the shrine ensures a plentiful supply of breast milk. Visitors can buy a kappa capture license (about 220 yen) at the nearby Denshōen, then use a fishing rod with a cucumber on the hook to “fish for kappa” by the stream. It is the most representative fun activity in Tōno. Open all day, and free to visit. From JR Tōno Station, take a bus about 20 minutes to the Denshōen stop, then walk about 5 minutes. It is often visited together with Tono Furusato Village and Denshōen.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Tono Furusato Village
- Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
- Iwayama Observatory
- Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
- Azumaya Honten (Wanko Soba)
- Morioka Takuboku & Kenji Museum
- Iwate Bank Red Brick Building
- Konyacho & Nakatsu River