Tono
Discover Tono
Most independent travellers to Tono travel around by bicycle, and cycling around the local sights and the countryside is one of the key reasons to visit the town. Buses tend to be very scarce, though they do have both sightseeing and regular buses that go to the major attractions. If you go to some of the more outlying sights, such as Fukusenji Temple, the bus going back to the station might not come for two hours. The only reliable form of transportation is by car.
Taste of Tono...
Before you go cycling or hiking, stock up on provisions at the giant Topia Supermarket, located a few minutes walk from Tono Station.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsTono is on the JR Kamaishi Line (釜石線) from Hanamaki. It takes about an hour and costs ¥820. Most independent travellers to Tono travel around by bicycle, and cycling around the local sights and the countryside is one of the key reasons to visit the town. Buses tend to be very scarce, though they do have both sightseeing and regular buses that go to the major attractions. If you go to some of the more outlying sights, such as Fukusenji Temple, the bus going back to the station might not come for two hours. The only reliable form of transportation is by car. The tourist office at Tono Station sells coupons offering admission to five attractions for the price of approximately three attractions. You can choose the five attractions you wish to visit from among eight choices. If you're looking to do even three of the sights, the coupons are worth buying. - The largest and newest is Tono Furusato Village (http://www.tonotv.com/members/furusatomura). Admission is ¥510 for adults....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Most independent travellers to Tono travel around by bicycle, and cycling around the local sights and the countryside is one of the key reasons to visit the town. Buses tend to be very scarce, though they do have both sightseeing and regular buses that go to the major attractions. If you go to some of the more outlying sights, such as Fukusenji Temple, the bus going back to the station might not come for two hours. The only reliable form of transportation is by car. The tourist office at Tono Station sells coupons offering admission to five attractions for the price of approximately three attractions. You can choose the five attractions you wish to visit from among eight choices. If you're looking to do even three of the sights, the coupons are worth buying. - The largest and newest is Tono Furusato Village (http://www.tonotv.com/members/furusatomura). Admission is ¥510 for adults. Opening hours: 09:00-17:00.
Money & Budget
The symbol of Tono is the water spirit known as the kappa and there are plenty of souvenirs featuring them, ranging from candies and cookies to mugs, t-shirts, dolls and sake. Before you go cycling or hiking, stock up on provisions at the giant Topia Supermarket, located a few minutes walk from Tono Station.