Unedori Shrine

Unedori Shrine (also known as “Unedori-sama”) is tucked away in a quiet forested area on the outskirts of Tono City. Surrounded by tall cedars and nestled along a narrow country road, the shrine stands in a tranquil rural setting, offering a peaceful atmosphere for those praying for love and connection

The origins of Unedori Shrine date back to the Edo period, when a villager transplanted a spirit from the Unedori deity enshrined in nearby Fudai Village’s Utorijinja. The shrine’s name (卯子酉) draws from the zodiac signs Rabbit (u, 卯), Rat (ne, 子), and Rooster (tori, 酉), symbolising directional and elemental significance in yin-yang theory.

A thrall of myth surrounds the shrine, immortalized in Tono Monogatari Shui (a supplemental collection of folk tales and local legends from the Tono). Once upon a time, a deep pool - home to a mysterious water spirit - resided where the shrine now stands. It’s said that hearts would become bound when one tied a wish to a single-leaf reed growing by its edge.

Though the pool has vanished, the custom survives. Today, visitors write their wishes on red cloth strips sold at an unmanned stand and tie them to trees or ropes - using only their non-dominant hand - believed to invoke the same magic .

The shrine’s vivid atmosphere arises from the sea of red cloths fluttering in the grove - each a love wish in waiting. According to a folkloric interpretation, the use of red cloth and a single hand symbolizes the vital elemental balance - a touch of fire, life force, or blood - restored to the once half-leafed reed .

Visiting for Love

• Bring your own red cloth or (purchase one on-site)

• Write your romantic wish

• Tie it using your left (non-dominant) hand

• Feel the shrine’s spiritual presence alongside countless love-struck prayers