Unedori-sama

Tucked quietly into the streets of Tono City at the foot of Mount Atago 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 nearby Unedori Shrine. 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 a branch of 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 pool, and a Tono legend tells of a man and woman who were joined after making a wish to the spirit of that pool.

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 pool 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, at the foot of Mount Atago, near Tono Station
• Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Kamaishi Line Tono Station, or by Iwate Kotsu bus, getting off at the Tono Business Office stop and walking about 5 minutes. Easy to include in a town walk
• Free to visit
• Red cloths are offered nearby

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season: The fresh-green and autumn-foliage seasons make a beautiful contrast with the red cloths and photograph well. To combine with a town walk, spring through autumn, with stable weather, is easiest and recommended.
• Time needed: As it is a small shrine, visiting and making a wish takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Allow about half a day to enjoy it leisurely along with a stroll around Tono Station.
• Knack for the wish: Tying the cloth to a branch with only the left hand is surprisingly hard. Tie it carefully and without haste, which is the knack for putting your heart into the wish.
• Real nearby spots: Within walking or cycling range are Tonogo Hachimangu (matchmaking), the Tono City Museum, and the Tono Monogatari no Yakata storytelling house. A little farther are places tied to the Tono Monogatari such as Tsuzukiishi and Kappabuchi (Joken-ji). It also makes a good base for a tour of matchmaking spots.
• Budget feel: Visiting is free, and the red cloth offering costs only a few hundred yen. Even including rental cycle fees and a meal, you can casually enjoy a walk through Tono.

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.

📚 Sources

This article was compiled by our editorial team based on the history of Unedori-sama and on-site guidance, public information from the city of Tono and the Tono Tourism Association, and general information about the Tono Monogatari and the surrounding marriage-tie spots. The offering of the red cloth, the operation of rental bicycles and the bus (Iwate Kenko), and the operation of nearby facilities may change. Fees, hours, and access may also change, so before you set out please check the official information such as the Tono Tourism Association.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: as it is a small shrine, worship and wish-making take about 15 to 30 minutes; about half a day combined with a stroll around Tono Station
• What to bring and prepare: the red cloth offering is a few hundred yen, so bring small change. Comfortable shoes for the walk and cash for a rental bicycle and meals are reassuring
• Suggested route: from Tono Station on foot or by bus to Unedori-sama; try the wish-making by tying a red cloth with only your left hand, then visit Tonogo Hachimangu, the Tono Municipal Museum, the Tono Monogatari no Yakata, and Tsuzuki-ishi and Kappabuchi (Jokenji)
• A tip for wish-making: tying the cloth to a branch with only your left hand is surprisingly hard; the trick is to tie it carefully and without haste
• For a quiet visit: as it is a small shrine, worship quietly and yield to one another