Guide
Tono Furusato Village is a beautiful open-air museum located in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture. Opened in 1996 as a center for green tourism, the facility spans 8.8 hectares of lush forests and pastoral landscapes. The site features relocated traditional Nanbu Magariya (traditional farmhouses), allowing visitors to walk through a reconstructed historical Japanese village and engage with various cultural programs.
The village plays a vital role in preserving the rural landscapes of Tono and passing this heritage to future generations. The site is home to numerous relocated Nanbu Magariya, a unique architectural style of the region. These buildings serve as living museums, providing a visual and tactile understanding of how people lived in these mountain villages centuries ago.
The grounds are dotted with historic structures from various eras. Notable buildings include the large "Kimoi-ri no Ie" (the headman's house) and the "Kobiru no Ie," which is closely tied to local food culture. Visitors can also explore the charming watermill area and the "Mayoi-ga Forest," an area inspired by the mystical tales of Tono Monogatari (The Tales of Tono). These architectural sites are invaluable resources for understanding traditional Japanese lifestyles.
The facility is accessible year-round, though it offers different charms in every season. From spring to autumn, the surrounding nature and rice paddies are particularly beautiful, making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration. The village is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). Enjoy the changing scenery of the Japanese countryside alongside the timeless traditions of the region.
Beyond simple sightseeing, Tono Furusato Village offers immersive hands-on programs. You can try your hand at traditional Japanese skills and rural life activities such as straw craft, bamboo work, dyeing, pottery making, local food preparation, and even agricultural tasks. These activities provide a much deeper connection to the local culture.
The village features the "Fusya" visitor center, which includes a restaurant and a gift shop. There is also a natural history museum on-site where you can learn more about the local environment. The surrounding area is characterized by the quintessential traditional Japanese scenery, making it a perfect place to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Tono.
