Tono City is located in the central-southern part of the Kitakami Highlands in the inland part of Iwate Prefecture, surrounded by mountains on all sides. To the north of the city is Jokenji Temple, and nearby is Kappabuchi, famous for the kappa legend. The city has a Pacific coastal climate. Long ago, it flourished as a castle town for the Tono Nanbu clan, and remnants of this castle town can be seen in place names. Tono is also known as the city of kappa, with kappa and zashiki-warashi appearing in novels and folk tales. Many novels and manga are set in Tono, and kappa are often used as the subject of the story. Major tourist attractions in the city include Kappabuchi, Jokenji Temple, and the Kanatori Ruins, believed to be Japan's oldest ruins. Part of Mt. Hayachinho, the second highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture, is also located within the city limits.