Historical Kappa Monster Hunting in Tono Justin Velgus Kappa monsters can supposedly be found over Japan, but there is one place where they said to be so common they are immortalized..
Culture Motsuji Temple The Motsuji Temple was once a large and important temple of the Tendai sect and consisted of numerous buildings. Today Motsuji is best known for his garden,..
Culture Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival 2024 Mid Jun Held on the second Saturday of June every year, the Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival is an event intended to worship Sozen-sama, the..
Museums Tono: Legends and Landscapes Imogen Riethmuller The city of Tono in Iwate is the place to go to experience traditional Japanese culture, complete with a wealth of folklore and..
Culture Kitakami Michinoku Geino Festival 2024 Early Aug The Kitakami Michinoku Geino Festival is held each year on the first weekend of August
Culture Morioka Handcrafts Village Justin Velgus Morioka Tezukuri Mura, or Morioka Handi-works Square, is a mock village of traditional arts and crafts. Visitors can view, purchase,..
Festivals Hanamaki Souminsai 2025 Early Jan The Hanamaki Souminsai is held every year on January 2nd at the Koshio shrine on Mount Koshio.