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Unedori Daimyojin Shrine, Tōno

4.1 (226)Shinto ShrinePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Unedori Daimyojin Shrine stands as one of Japan's distinctive fertility shrines, located in Tōno City, Iwate Prefecture. This sacred site represents a centuries-old tradition of spiritual beliefs centered around fertility, prosperity, and the fulfillment of personal wishes. The shrine forms part of Tōno's rich folklore heritage, a region renowned throughout Japan for its mystical legends and traditional stories.

The shrine's primary significance lies in its role as a fertility shrine, where visitors come to pray for conception, safe childbirth, and family prosperity. Local tradition maintains that the shrine possesses special powers to grant wishes related to fertility and relationships. The site reflects Japan's ancient Shinto beliefs, where natural forces and human desires intersect through ritual and prayer.

Visitors to Unedori Daimyojin experience a unique cultural practice involving red cloth strips upon which they write their wishes and prayers. These cloths are placed at designated areas within the shrine grounds, creating a colorful display of hopes and desires. The shrine requires a small fee for the wish cloths, which visitors must pay before writing their requests. This intimate ritual allows participants to engage directly with centuries-old traditions while making personal connections to the sacred space.

The shrine operates with no entrance fee and maintains no set opening hours, reflecting the traditional Japanese approach to shrine accessibility. Visitors can approach the sacred grounds at their convenience, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and proper appreciation of the site's features.

Transportation to Unedori Daimyojin requires travel to Tōno Station, followed by a bus journey toward Seiyoen. Visitors should disembark at the Tōno Eigyosho bus stop, from which the shrine can be reached. The location in Tōno places the shrine within one of Japan's most folklore-rich regions, offering visitors the opportunity to explore additional cultural sites and experience the area's legendary atmosphere that has inspired countless Japanese folk tales and supernatural stories.

Phone
+81 198-62-1333
Website
tonojikan.jp

The area

Address
11-23 Shimokumichō, Tōno City, Iwate 028-0526, Japan
Unedori Daimyojin Shrine

Phone

+81 198-62-1333

Website

tonojikan.jp

What other travelers are saying about Unedori Daimyojin Shrine, Tōno

A very very small shrine. At close distance to the middle of nowhere, and not easy to spot, this place is a genuine prayer shrine. In a circle of 7 really tall cedar trees, and with a huge Sakura on a branch of which a baby momiji (maple) has started to grow, it feels super relax. People come there to write prayers on red bits of cloth that they tie to wooden building and to the tree branches around. There's no mark to separate the shrine from the surrounding private garden. Highly recommended for the romantic and magic atmosphere.
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Thomas Roux
Jul 19, 2018
A shrine for fertility. There are cloths laid out on one of the shrines but don't forget to pay for it before you write your wish on it.
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The deity enshrined is Ushitomi-no-Myoujin, famous for praying for love and marriage. Near the entrance to Shinsato Atago Shrine, you can see the row of torii gates at Ushitomi-no-Myoujin. It is said that during the Edo period, Tono merchant Minatoya Heibei persuaded the Ushitomi-no-Myoujin from the Fudai Village to be brought here. In chapter 35 of Yanagita Kunio's Tono Monogatari Supplement, it is said that this area once housed a large pond where the Lord of the Abyss resided. Prayers to the Lord of the Abyss for marriage would be granted. Through the torii gates, you can see a large area of ​​red cloth hanging from ropes and branches. It is said that if you write your wish on the red cloth at the shrine with your non-dominant hand and then tie it with your non-dominant hand, your wish will come true. A very unique and mysterious scene. Nearby is Atago Shrine and a small shrine. It has been designated as Tono Heritage No. 145. It is recommended to visit the nearby Shinsato Atago Shrine, but it requires a mountain hike to reach it.
Tono Trip ⑥ This is the shrine to Unedori, mentioned in the 35th chapter of the Tono Monogatari (Tales of Tono). It's said that if you can tie a red cloth, sold at the unmanned shop on the grounds, into a rope using only your left hand, you'll be united with your beloved. When I arrived around 2 p.m., there were no cloths left. The strange sight of countless red cloths tied together is quite impressive.

Nearby attractions to see

Iwate Kogen Snow Park

Iwate Kogen Snow Park, Shizukuishi

Geto Kogen Ski Resort

Geto Kogen Ski Resort, Kitakami

Hachimantai

Hachimantai, Iwate

Nearby attractions to see

Iwate Kogen Snow Park

Iwate Kogen Snow Park, Shizukuishi

Geto Kogen Ski Resort

Geto Kogen Ski Resort, Kitakami

Hachimantai

Hachimantai, Iwate

Frequently Asked Questions

Unedori Daimyojin Shrine is primarily known as a fertility shrine where visitors pray for conception, safe childbirth, and family prosperity. Located in Tōno City, Iwate Prefecture, the shrine is part of Japan's rich folklore tradition and attracts people seeking blessings related to fertility, relationships, and the fulfillment of personal wishes.

There is no entrance fee to visit Unedori Daimyojin Shrine. However, visitors who wish to participate in the traditional ritual of writing prayers on red cloth strips must pay a small fee for these wish cloths. The shrine follows the typical Japanese shrine model of free access with optional paid ritual items.

The main visitor experience involves writing wishes and prayers on special red cloth strips which are then placed at designated areas within the shrine grounds. This creates a colorful display of hopes and desires from visitors. You can also pray at the main shrine building, explore the sacred grounds, and experience the traditional Shinto atmosphere of this unique fertility shrine.

To reach the shrine, first travel to Tōno Station by train. From there, take a bus heading toward Seiyoen and get off at the Tōno Eigyosho bus stop. The shrine is accessible from this bus stop. Since the shrine is located in the rural Tōno area, having a detailed map or GPS navigation is recommended for the final approach.

Unedori Daimyojin Shrine maintains no set opening hours, following the traditional Japanese shrine practice of remaining accessible to visitors throughout the day. However, visiting during daylight hours is strongly recommended for safety reasons and to properly appreciate the shrine's features. The open access policy reflects the traditional Shinto belief that sacred spaces should be available when people need spiritual connection.
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Chris T
Aug 19, 2016
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May 3, 2019
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