At first glance, Unedori-sama looks like Silent Hill and Fatal Frame combined. Out in the middle of nowhere, the small shrine stands unmanned, the strips of red cloth draped all over it swinging ever so slightly with the passing wind. When I first saw a photo of it, the shrine looked ominous, as if it’s desperate to drive evil spirits away. I found out later that the shrine was, in fact, where people come to pray for good fortune in love—the red strips of cloth being the physical manifestation of their prayers.
Date Visited: October 31, 2020
Origin of Unedori
According to legends, there was once a pool where Unedori now stands. People would go to this pool and pray, and these prayers—often related to matters of the heart—were reportedly granted.
There isn’t a body of water surrounding the shrine today, but the practice of wish-making persists. Hundreds of red cloth strips adorn Unedori, some vibrant in color, while others have faded over time. The sight is most impressive.
How to Make a Wish at Unedori Shrine
Jar where you place coins Blank strips of cloth Jar with markers for writing Left side of main hall
Go the shrine’s main hall (it looks like a small hut) and you’ll find blank strips of red cloth hanging. You’ll ned to pay ¥100 per cloth and you can put the coin in the jar near the markers.
After writing your wish down, pick a spot where you would like to tie your red cloth. Make sure to tie the red cloth using only your left hand. Doing so will increase your chances of marriage, at least according to hearsay.
Unedori-sama in Video
The video above features Tono, the so-called birthplace of folklore in Iwate Prefecture. The segment about Unedori starts at 01:11.
How to Get to Unedori Shrine
Unedori-sama (appears as “Unetori” on Google Maps, 卯子酉神社, 卯子酉様,うねどり じんじゃ、うねどり さま)
8-minute bus ride or 22-minute walk from Tono Station, JR Kamaishi Line
Open 24 hours
No entrance fee
Website (Japanese only)
From Tono Station, take a bus heading to Seiyoen and get off at Tono Eigyosho. The shrine is a 2-minute walk from there.
Alternatively, you can walk to the destination or rent a bike. As of October 2020, the directions on Google Maps are faulty and leads to a residential area. Look for Sawayaka Toilet (さわやかトイレ) and make a left from there. The shrine will be in view shortly after.
