Unedori-sama

Tucked quietly into the streets of Tono City stands a small shrine known as Unedori-sama. It is said to have begun in the Edo period when a Tono merchant named Minatoya Heibei invited a branch spirit of the Unedori Shrine that stood in Hirajiro Village in Iwate. It appears in the Tono Monogatari and has long been beloved locally as a sacred matchmaking site.

The wish-making custom here is quite unusual. If you can tie a red cloth to the tree before the shrine using only your left hand, you are said to be blessed with good relationships. The small pond in the grounds is the remnant of a once larger pond, and a Tono legend tells of a man and woman who were joined after making a wish to the spirit of the pond.

Highlights

- The unusual matchmaking ritual of tying a red cloth with only the left hand, with countless red cloths coloring the scene - The legend of the pond spirit connected to the Tono Monogatari - A quiet, warm atmosphere around the shrine despite its location in town - A small sacred site long cherished by young visitors wishing for good relationships

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the surrounding trees bud, making a vivid contrast with the red cloths. In summer green wraps the site, easy to drop by during a town walk. Autumn colors the shrine with leaves and a gentle mood. In winter the red cloths stand out against the snow, creating an especially striking scene.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: central district of Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, near Tono Station - Access: Within walking distance of JR Tono Station, easy to include in a town walk - Free to visit - Red cloths are offered nearby

A Quick Tip

Tying the cloth with only your left hand is surprisingly hard. Tie it carefully and without haste, which is the knack for putting your heart into the wish. As it is a small shrine, take turns and pray quietly. Combined with a stroll around Tono Station, it lets you fully savor the mood of this land of folktales.