Guide
The Nihon no Furusato Tono Festival is a large-scale celebration held annually in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, spanning the third Saturday and Sunday of September. The defining characteristic of this festival is the gathering of a diverse range of local performing arts deeply rooted in the daily life of Tono. Approximately 60 performing arts groups participate, expressing the long history of human connection with nature through powerful dances and music. The sight of dancers in vibrant, colorful costumes, the procession of portable shrines (mikoshi), and the traditional rituals perfectly symbolize the rich cultural tapestry of Tono.
Tono has long been known as a land where nature, spirits, and folklore—most famously represented by the 'Tales of Tono' (Tono Monogatari)—are deeply embedded in the landscape. This festival plays a vital role in passing down these local performing arts to the next generation. Arts such as Shishi-odori (Lion Dance), Kagura (Shinto theatrical dance), Nanbu Hayashi, Sansa Odori, and Taue Odori (Rice Planting Dance) are more than just performances; they have evolved as cultural rituals that demonstrate respect for nature and community unity. By preserving these traditions, the identity of the people of Tono is continuously shaped and maintained.
During the festival, a variety of programs take place around the Tono Station area and the Tono Go Hachiman-gu Shrine. On Saturday, the focus is on the local performing arts parade through the main street in front of the station, featuring the high-energy 'Shishi-odori Grand Dance.' The procession of mikoshi through the streets is also a major highlight. On Sunday, the festivities move toward the Bamba (training ground) of Tono Go Hachiman-gu Shrine, where the Bamba-meguri ritual and Kagura performances take place. Through these sequences, visitors can experience a wide array of Tono's historical performing arts up close.
The festival is held every year during the third weekend of September. The schedule is divided into two days: Saturday and Sunday. Saturday is a high-energy time with the parade occurring from the morning through the afternoon, followed by Kagura performances in the evening. Sunday focuses on Kagura and the Bamba-meguri ritual from midday through the afternoon. Visiting in September allows you to enjoy the festival'ity amidst the refreshing breeze of early autumn.
Beyond just watching, there are many ways to connect with the spirit of local performing arts. Tono's traditions are meant to be understood and experienced. There are opportunities to learn the movements of traditional dances like Shishi-odori or Kagura, and exhibitions that explain the cultural background of these arts. You can capture the visual beauty of the history being expressed through these movements.
The main venues are the streets around Tono Station and the Tono Go Hachiman-gu Shrine. The surrounding area is dotted with spots that symbolize Tono's culture, such as the Kappa-fuchi (Kappa Pool) and various museums detailing local folklore. Visiting these sites before or after the festival will provide a much deeper understanding of the 'Spirit of Tono.'
As the events take place outdoors on streets and within shrine grounds, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and practical clothing. It is also wise to bring a layer to protect against temperature drops in the evening. Regarding transportation, temporary parking lots and paid parking are available, but since the area becomes very crowded, using public transportation is highly recommended. Please respect the local traditions and maintain proper etiquette while observing the ceremonies.