ABOUT
About this spot
Kappabuchi in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, is a place where the kappa legends recorded in folklorist Kunio Yanagita's classic "Tono Monogatari" (The Legends of Tono) are still alive. Clear water flows quietly through a small stream behind Joken-ji Temple, surrounded by dense thickets, creating a mystical atmosphere in which a kappa might appear at any moment. The highlight here is the famous "kappa fishing." Fishing rods baited with a whole cucumber are provided, and adults and children alike wait eagerly for a kappa, creating a peaceful scene unique to Tono. If you are serious about catching a kappa, we recommend getting a "Kappa Capture Permit" with your photo at the nearby Densho-en, a popular and unique souvenir of your trip. The pleasant, tree-lined walking path is a healing space that refreshes the mind even if you just stroll along it. Why not immerse yourself in a world of mysterious tales in this place where history and legend meet? It is a perfect spot for a relaxing solo trip, or for chatting with family and friends about whether kappa might really exist.
Last updated March 28, 2026