Uziyu-jinja Shrine｜The Tales of Tono tell of a shrine of love fulfillment, with detailed information on visiting the shrine and the benefits of marriage

Uziyu Shrine, located at the eastern foot of Mt. Atago in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, is a historic shrine that has long been worshipped as a god of love fulfillment. It appears in the 35th episode of Tono Monogatari (Tales of Tono), and is known for its unique method of worship, in which a red cloth is tied with the left hand only. The mysterious scene of countless red cloths decorating the shrine grounds leaves a deep impression on visitors, and even today, many visitors come to the shrine to seek the blessings of marriage.

Outline and basic information about Uziyu Shrine

Uzotori-jinja Shrine, also known as “Uzotorisama” or “Uzotoru Daimyojin,” is a small shrine located at the eastern foot of Mount Atago in Tono City, Iwate Prefecture. It is recorded in Kunio Yanagida’s “Tono Monogatari Pickup Book”, a collection of folk tales and legends from the Tono region, and is recognized as Tono Heritage No. 145 as an important cultural heritage of the region.

It is currently positioned as an enclave precinct shrine of Atago Shrine, and although it does not have a full-fledged shrine, it has attracted many devotees for its miraculous benefits. It is one of the most important sightseeing spots in Tono, as it is located close to downtown Tono and is easily accessible for tourists.

History and Origin

It is said that the Uzitori Shrine was founded in the Edo period (1603-1868) by a Tono merchant, Minatoya Heibei, who requested the Uzitori Myojin (Udori Shrine) in Torii, Fudai-mura to build the shrine. Udori Shrine has long been worshipped as a god of marriage, and Uzitori Shrine is a branch of Udori Shrine, which has inherited the same benefits.

The 35th episode of Tono Monogatari (Tales of Tono) states, “In olden times, this was a large lake, and if one made a wish to the lord of the abyss, the union of a man and a woman was mysteriously brought together. In the past, there was a large abyss in the area, and it was believed that if one prayed to the “Lord of the Abyss,” who lived there, for the union of a man and a woman, their wishes would come true.

At that time, there was a small pond within the shrine grounds that was said to be a remnant of the pool, and it was said that if one tied a piece of paper with a love wish written on it to a “one-leaf reed” that grew there, the wish would come true. It is said that traces of the small pond still remain beside the shrine, but the katayaba reeds can no longer be seen.

Deities and Benefits

The main deity of Uziyu Shrine is the god of love fulfillment and matchmaking. The shrine has long been worshipped as a deity that brings together men and women in good marriages, and even today, many people visit the shrine to pray for lovers and those wishing to get married. The shrine is also said to be effective in helping married couples build a happy home.

One person who actually visited the shrine said, “I visited the shrine once when my wife and I were dating and again after we got married to pray for the birth of a child. Thanks to your prayers, we were blessed with a child right away, and a healthy baby girl was born.

In the Tono area, there are several other “konsei-sama” (gods of marriage) enshrined, and the Ukoyu Shrine is one of the most famous and effective of them all. It is believed to bring not only romantic fulfillment, but also comprehensive benefits that connect people to each other, and some worshippers come to the shrine to seek good relationships with friends and business partners.

Uziyu Shrine Highlights and Characteristics

The most distinctive feature of Uziyu Shrine is the countless red cloths that cover the shrine grounds. The red cloths are wrapped tightly around the small shrine, leaving an unforgettable impression once seen. Each of these red cloths is filled with the wishes of worshippers, creating a sacred space that is filled with strong hopes for the fulfillment of love.

Attractions of the Shrine and Precincts

Heading west along the Sarugaishi River from downtown Tono, you will see a thickly wooded area under Mt. The grounds of the shrine are not large, but they have a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by ancient trees. The central shrine is a modest structure, but it stands beautifully in harmony with the surrounding natural environment.

The shrine grounds are dotted with trees on which visitors tie red cloths with their wishes, and these trees are also an important component of the shrine. In particular, the tree in front of the shrine is covered with many red cloths, testifying to the depth of worshipers’ faith.

Traces of a small pond, where “katayaba reeds” are said to have once grown, are also preserved in the precincts of the shrine, giving visitors a sense of the world of Tono Monogatari. The entire precincts of the shrine are a precious cultural space that embodies the history and legends of Tono.

Mysterious landscape decorated with red cloth

The precincts of the shrine are decorated with red cloths on which countless wishes have been written. The atmosphere is a bit bizarre, but there is a sense of mystery about it, due in part to the location of Tono. The vitality and passion of the color red, combined with the wishes for marriage, create a unique spiritual atmosphere.

These red cloths are sold for 100 yen at an unmanned store on the temple grounds, and visitors write their wishes on the cloth and tie it to a tree branch using only their left hand. If successful, the wish is believed to come true, so many people took up the challenge, resulting in the current scene of the precincts of the temple being covered in red cloths.

The sight of the red cloths, especially at dusk or in the morning light, is fantastic and popular as a photo spot. However, it is important to be respectful when photographing these cloths, as they contain the earnest wishes of the worshippers.

The Legend Told in the Tales of Tono

In Tono Monogatari Pickup #35, it is written, “In a small pond beside it grows a one-leafed reed. In the past, this was a large lake, and when people made a wish to the master of the pool, they were mysteriously united with a man and a woman. It is also said that the Lord of the pool sometimes appeared to those who had faith in him.

According to this legend, in ancient times, this area was a large lake, and it is said that a water spirit, the lord of the lake, watched over people’s love affairs. The Lord of the Abyss sometimes appeared to those who were particularly religious, and the area was recognized as a sacred place with mystical powers.

The custom of tying a red cloth, which is the current method of worship, was also inherited from this old legend of tying a piece of paper with a wish written on it to a one-leaf reed, which was changed in form. Even though times have changed, people’s wishes for the fulfillment of their love lives on, and the power of the gods to respond to these wishes remains unchanged.

Guide to Worship and Visiting the Shrine

Uziyu Shrine is an open shrine that can be visited 24 hours a day, and no special entrance fee is required. However, visitors can enhance their experience by purchasing a red cloth used to make a matchmaking wish, and by understanding the unique etiquette of worship before visiting the shrine.

How to visit the shrine and tie the red cloth

The unique way to worship at Uziyu Shrine is to tie a red cloth to the tree in front of the shrine using only your left hand. This red cloth is sold at an unmanned store on the shrine grounds and can be purchased for 100 yen.

The procedure for visiting the shrine is as follows. First, purchase a red cloth at the unmanned store on the temple grounds and write your wish on it with the sign pen provided. However, it is recommended that you bring an oil-based pen, as the ink in sign pens is sometimes hard to get out.

It is said that if you tie the red cloth with your wish written on it with only one of your non-dominant hands, your wish will be granted. Since most people are right-handed, they must tie the cloth only with their left hand, which is not an easy task. However, this difficulty is considered to be an indication of the seriousness of the wish, and the joy when it is successfully granted.

When visiting a shrine, as at most shrines, bow lightly before going to the shrine and praying quietly with your hands together. It is important to pray with gratitude before and after tying the red cloth. Also, do not forget to be considerate of other worshippers and pray quietly.

Points to keep in mind when strolling in the precincts of the shrine

The precincts of Uziyu Shrine are small, but the highlights are concentrated within. The first thing to note are the old trees that grow around the shrine. These trees are wrapped in red cloth that worshippers have tied around them over the years, and over time they have become one with nature, displaying a unique beauty.

Beside the shrine, there are traces of a small pond where one-leafed reeds once grew. Although there is no clear trace of the pond now, it retains a trace of its original appearance as a damp place. One can feel the historical significance of this place while thinking about the world of Tono Monogatari.

Signs explaining the origin of the shrine and how to visit it are placed in the precincts of the shrine, so that even first-time visitors can visit the shrine with peace of mind. Looking up toward Mt. Atago from the shrine grounds, visitors can also see the path to the main shrine, Atago Shrine.

When strolling around the shrine, it is recommended that you walk quietly while pondering the wishes that are contained in each of the red cloths tied around the shrine’s grounds. Remembering that this is a sacred space where the earnest wishes of many people are placed, please visit with respect.

Access/Use Information

Uziyu Shrine is located relatively close to downtown Tono and is easily accessible by car or on foot. The shrine is an easy stopover as part of your Tono sightseeing tour.

Traffic Access

Access by car
The shrine is about 1.1 km or 2 minutes from the Tono IC of the Kamaishi Expressway. After exiting the Tono IC, head toward the city center and proceed in the direction of Mt. You will see a public restroom called “Sawayaka Toilet” adjacent to the parking lot.

Access by train or bus
The site is about 2 km from JR Tono Station, about 5 minutes by car. If on foot, it takes about 25 minutes to reach the site. The nearest bus stop is “Bus Center” in the direction of “Bus Center” for all routes, and it takes about 3 minutes on foot after getting off the bus.

A promenade is also available from Tono Station, so you can walk to the destination while enjoying the townscape of Tono. Since there are other tourist spots along the way, you can enjoy it as part of your Tono stroll.

<Address> 11 Shimogumi-cho, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, 028-0526

Hours of worship, fees, and parking information

Hours of Worship
Uziyu Shrine is open 24 hours a day. However, for safety reasons, we recommend that you visit the shrine during daylight hours. The atmosphere of the shrine grounds is especially beautiful early in the morning and at dusk, and visitors can enjoy the quiet environment.

Fees
There is no charge to visit the shrine itself. However, the red cloth used to make a wish for marriage is sold for 100 yen at an unmanned store on the shrine grounds. This fee is used to maintain the shrine.

Parking Information
Free parking is available in the Sawayaka Restroom Parking Lot. There is a parking lot that appears to be for tourists and has restrooms, so it is a good place to stop for a break. The parking lot is small, but usually holds enough cars.

Other Notes
Photography is allowed in the temple grounds, but please be careful to respect the privacy of other visitors and make sure that their personal wishes written on the red cloth cannot be read. Also, please remember that the temple grounds are a sacred place, so please be careful to visit quietly and not make a lot of noise.

Reference sites

Tono Time｜Tono City Tourism Information Website: https://tonojikan.jp/kanko/unedori.php
Tono Time｜Ukoyu Shrine: https://tonojikan.jp/tourism/unetori-shrine/
Iwate no Tabi: https://iwatetabi.jp/spots/4252/