[2025 Matsuyama Attraction] Travel Guide for Isaniwa Shrine (Updated Jul)

| Guide to traveling to niche secret places. Everyone 👋, if you want to avoid the crowds and experience the authentic Japanese style, Matsuyama is definitely the best choice. 🎈Preliminary preparation: Get a Japanese tourist visa and book your flight in advance. You can fly to Matsuyama Airport. If the flight is not suitable, it is also convenient to fly to Takamatsu and then take JR or bus to Matsuyama. Remember to prepare a Suica card, it is very convenient to take the tram when traveling in the city. 🌟Must-see attractions: Matsuyama Castle: One of the most primitive castles in Japan. Take the cable car to the top to overlook the Seto Inland Sea and Matsuyama. The castle tower is rich in historical relics and allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of the past of the ancient city. Dogo Onsen: One of the three ancient hot springs in Japan, and the prototype of the hot spring in "Spirited Away". Soaking in hot springs here can relax your body and mind. There is also a royal hot spring hall to visit. Don't miss the free foot bath at the door and enjoy the street view while soaking. Isaiba Shrine: With a history of thousands of years, walk up the steps and overlook the beautiful scenery around. It is a great place to take photos, especially in the autumn maple leaf season, which is so beautiful that you will be speechless. Yuanman Temple: It is very effective in praying for marriage. Although the temple is small, it is simple and peaceful, and is very popular. Single friends may wish to pray sincerely. 🍱Food exploration: Sea bream rice: Ehime Prefecture's signature dish, fresh sea bream paired with soft glutinous rice, "Matsuyama Taimeshi Akiyoshi" is a must-try, the fish melts in your mouth. Shaoye Dumplings: Soft glutinous rice cakes with red beans and matcha, sweet but not greasy. Have one when you are tired of shopping and you will instantly feel full of energy. Citrus products: Songshan is rich in citrus. Citrus juice is sweet and sour, and citrus ice cream is refreshing and cool. They can be found everywhere, so you must try them. 🛏 Accommodation selection: Dogo Onsen Hotel - Dogo FUNAYA: Strong Japanese style, cozy rooms, super comfortable private hot spring, convenient shopping and dining nearby. Guyongyuanyao Hotel: high-end and comfortable, the open-air hot spring on the rooftop has a great view, and it is extremely romantic to soak in the hot spring and enjoy the starry sky at night. There are trams throughout Songshan City, so it is more cost-effective to buy a tourist ticket. Take this guide with you and start your dream trip to Songshan.

Address: 173 Sakuradanicho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0838, Japan Getting there: The Isaniwa Shrine is located about 200 meters east of Dogo Onsen Station. Highlights: When you reach this attraction, the first thing that comes into your eyes is a tall flight of stairs that lead to the shrine, which is constructed of the traditional Hachiman architectural style. In this style, the shrine consists of two halls whose roofs are connected with each other, essentially forming a single building. Sheltered corridors and vermillion pillars and walls are also a feature of this style.After climbing a long stretch of stone stairs, passing a double-story gate, a magnificent bright-red structure emerges. 🤩 Opening hours: 5am to 7pm daily Admission fee: free of charge 😬 #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk

Located near Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Isaniwa Shrine is a historic site known for its striking vermilion-colored shrine building. Built in the rare Hachiman-zukuri architectural style, it has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan 🏯. When you visit, you'll be amazed by the majestic shrine that unfolds after climbing the long stone steps, and the tranquil atmosphere will bring a sense of calm to your heart. Since it's within walking distance from Dogo Onsen, it's perfect to visit alongside the hot springs ♨️. Access is convenient, just about a 5-minute walk from Iyo Railway's "Dogo Onsen Station." It's located right after passing through Dogo Haikara Street, making it easy to stop by during your sightseeing 🚶♀️. Pro tip: Visit in the morning! The shrine is less crowded, and the vermilion building looks stunning in the morning sunlight 🌅. The shrine's goshuin (seal stamps) are also popular, so don't forget to get one as a travel keepsake ✨. Whether you're visiting as a couple to pray for love or alone to find inner peace, Isaniwa Shrine is a serene spot to experience tranquility during your journey 🍃.

I went to Ehime Matsuyama and discovered the charm of Shikoku. If you have been to Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo, Shikoku may be another good choice for you to explore Japan. If you go to Dogo Onsen Honkan and just take pictures outside, you will only get a tourist photo full of people. If you walk for a few minutes to the Sora no Promenade, you can enjoy the beauty of the hundreds of years old building "Dogo Onsen Honkan" from a high place. At the same time, there is a free foot bath here, which is relatively low in temperature. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery with three or five friends, families or couples while soaking in the foot bath. In Ehime Matsuyama, most travelers plan for two days and one night. If you want to extend the exploration of the charm of Matsuyama, you can add Imabari, Uwajima, and Ishizuchiyama. Or the itinerary radiates to Kochi or Kagawa. The following is a two-day and one-night itinerary that I personally walked, providing suggestions. Day1: Plan to arrive at noon, check in at the hotel first or store your luggage first. Most hotels are located in the Okaido shopping street or Katsuyama-cho. You can first taste the famous sea bream rice in Matsuyama in the Okaido shopping street. 📍Address: 2 Chome−２−3, Ehime, Matsuyama, Okaido, 790-0004, Japan After lunch, take the tram to Dogo Onsen Station. Don’t rush at this time. The clock of the official announcement of the park will have a cute Bo-chan theme every hour. And there is also a foot bath for travelers to use. 📍Address of the Park: 6−7, Dogo Yu-no-machi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, 790-0842 It is recommended to walk to Ishitemachi Temple first, walk for about 15 minutes, and feel the beauty of the traditional temple recommended by Michelin one star, then go through the cave to the mysterious Fudoki Hill to experience the incredible Mantua-style architecture. 📍Ishitemachi Temple Address: 2 Chome-9-21 Ishite, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0852 Japan 📍Fudoki-no-Oka Address: Jokojicho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0851 Japan Then walk along the mountain road, and you will reach Isaniwa Shrine in about ten minutes. This is the main shrine of Dogo and one of the three major Hachiman-style buildings in Japan. Explore the beautiful Japanese architecture and faith stories. Then walk for five minutes to Yu Shrine and Nakajima Shrine to learn about the legend of Dogo Onsen. 📍Isaniwa Shrine Address: 173 Sakuradanicho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0838 Japan 📍Yu Shrine Address: 4-4-10 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842 Japan Walk along the left side of Yu Shrine for one minute and you will arrive at the "Sora no Sanpachi" where you can soak in the foot bath and enjoy the beautiful Dogo Onsen Main Building. 📍Address: 4-30 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842 Japan Then don't miss it and experience the Dogo Onsen Main Building which has just been renovated and opened after five and a half years. Take a bath, rest in the Japanese-style room and take photos to feel the flow of time in Dogo Onsen. 📍Dogo Onsen Main Building Address: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842 Japan It's dinner time. You can go to Dogo Shopping Street and have a meal here. Don't miss the different architectural styles of Dogo Onsen Annex "Asuka no Onsen" next to the shopping street. Finally, walk to the station, take the tram to Okaido Station, check in at the hotel and rest. Day2: If you stay at Okaido Station, you can walk to Higashi-Umoguchi Cable Car Station and take the cable car or ropeway to Matsuyama Castle. It is recommended to take the cable car up and the ropeway down, so you can experience two different experiences at once. 📍Cable Station Address: 73 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0008 Japan In Matsuyama Castle, you can fully experience the majesty and history. At the same time, you can add the Sakano no Kumo Museum to your itinerary to experience the era and characters written by Shiba Ryotaro or in the Taiga drama. 📍Sakano-no-kumo Address: Japan 〒790-0001 Ehime, Matsuyama, Ichibancho, 3 Chome−２０ 📍Matsuyama Castle Address: 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0008 Japan After returning to Higashiguchi, don't miss the castle town. There are citrus juice that you can drink from the tap, excellent towels made in Imabari, and souvenirs from Ehime. There are also many restaurant options here. I tried a fashionable sea bream ramen here, and the refreshing taste is very special. Of course, there is also a cafe here, where you can enjoy coffee, desserts and light meals. 📍Address: 3 Chome-6-4 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0004 Japan #5月好去处2025

Climbing up 135 steps, the vermilion shrine might remind you of Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine. This is Isaniwa Shrine in Matsuyama, a name that may be a bit of a tongue twister, but it is an authentic Japanese shrine. Locals also refer to it as Dogo Hachiman or Yuzuki Hachiman. During the Yayoi period, Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu are said to have visited Dogo Onsen for a soak, and this place is believed to have been their temporary palace. Legend has it that during the Edo period, Matsuyama Domain's third lord, Matsudaira Sadatomo, made a wish for guaranteed success at Hachiman Shrine before participating in the "Yabusame" archery test in Edo. His wish came true, and upon returning to Matsuyama, he remodeled Isaniwa Shrine in the style of Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine. The shrine enshrines Hachiman deity (Emperor Ojin), Emperor Chuai, Empress Jingu, and the three Munakata goddesses. As a shrine dedicated to emperors, its architecture is particularly grand, featuring an imposing gate, exquisite carvings, and intricately painted corridors that embody the elegance of Momoyama period architecture. On the corridors, eight portable shrines are displayed, which are taken out for a parade during the Matsuyama Autumn Festival on October 7th. The festival also includes the intense "portable shrine collision" (Hachiawase) event, where two groups clash their shrines together in a battle-like manner, earning it the nickname "Fighting Shrines." For festival enthusiasts, this is a must-attend event at least once in a lifetime. 📍Address: 173 Sakuradanicho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0838, Japan 🚗 Access: A five-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station on the tram line.

🇯🇵 [Ehime Prefecture] Let's go around Dogo Village! Isaniwa Shrine⛩️ An ancient shrine dating back to the Heian period. The current shrine building was rebuilt in 1667 by the feudal lord Matsudaira Sadanaga, as a thank you for the success of his prayer for a horseback archery event held at Edo Castle. It is modeled after Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine in Kyoto, and the Hachiman-style shrine building (an important cultural property) with its gold-leaf pillars and the main hall with its intricate carvings and cypress bark roofing conveys the architectural style of the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the present day (^^) [Location] 173 Sakuradani-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture [Access] About a 5-minute walk from the exit of Dogo Onsen Station About a 7-minute walk from the exit of Dogo Koen Station About a 15-minute walk from the exit of Minamimachi Station #0 yen trip

📍Around Dogo Onsen Dogo Onsen is a hot spring that springs up in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku. It is said to be one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, and its existence has been known since ancient times, and it is even mentioned in the first volume of the Manyoshu. It is a historic hot spring that Prince Shotoku is said to have bathed in. With Dogo Onsen as a base, there are many tourist spots around. First, the first photo is the main building of Dogo Onsen. Next, the second photo is the Botchan train (this is a decoration and does not move). The third photo is Dogo Park. It is within walking distance from Dogo Onsen. The fourth photo is the bougainvillea at the restaurant behind Dogo Park in Dogo. There are many restaurants around Dogo. Photos 5 and 6 are Isaniwa Shrine. It is rumored that if you visit this shrine, your love will come true. Actually, both my brother and I visited here with our current partners and decided to get married, so it is definitely worth a visit. Please use it when exploring Dogo. #0yentravelFebruary2025

Hey everyone👋! Are you tired of the same old Tokyo and Kyoto trips to Japan? Today, I'm unveiling a hidden gem that's both unique and stunning—Matsuyama👏! Nestled in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, it boasts a thousand years of history, breathtaking scenery, and best of all, fewer crowds and friendlier prices. It's a true travel treasure💖! 🚗Travel tips: While Matsuyama has an airport, flights are limited. Consider flying into Takamatsu and taking a bus or JR train to Matsuyama, which is about a 3-hour journey. Enjoy the scenic views along the way. Once in the city, hop on the adorable orange tram—it's the perfect way to get around and explore all the must-see spots🚌. 🌟Must-see attractions: 👉Matsuyama Castle: One of only twelve remaining original castle keeps in Japan. Take the cable car up for a wow-worthy😍 panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and Matsuyama City. The castle keep houses a rich collection of historical artifacts, immersing you in the atmosphere of the past. 👉Dogo Onsen: One of Japan's three oldest hot springs and the inspiration for the bathhouse in *Spirited Away*. After a relaxing soak, experience the royal treatment in the exclusive bathhouse. Don't miss the free footbath nearby—it's the perfect way to soothe tired feet😌. 👉Isaniwa Shrine: A thousand-year-old shrine and one of Japan's three great Hachiman-zukuri shrines. Ascend the ancient stone steps for a stunning panoramic view—a picture-perfect moment📷. 👉Enman-ji Temple: Calling all singles👀! This is a renowned spot for finding love. Though small, the temple is filled with spiritual energy. 👉Bansui So Villa: A must-visit for art lovers! Designed by Tadao Ando and themed after Ryotaro Shiba's novel *Clouds Above the Hill*, this museum offers a truly enriching experience. 🍱Matsuyama's culinary delights: 👉Tai Meshi (Sea Bream Rice): Ehime's signature dish featuring incredibly tender sea bream. Try it at "Matsuyama Taimeshi Akiyoshi" or "Ganso Uwajima Taimeshi Marumizu"—you can't go wrong! Every bite is a gift from the sea. 👉Botchan Dango: These small rice cakes with red bean, egg, and matcha are sweet but not overpowering. A perfect after-dinner treat for a burst of happiness👍. 👉Citrus Products: Matsuyama is abundant in citrus fruits. Refresh with citrus juice, indulge in citrus ice cream, and get your vitamin C fix. 🛏Accommodation gems: 👉Dogo Onsen Hotel - Dogo Funaya: Immerse yourself in Japanese hospitality with on-site hot springs. Relax and unwind after a soak, with convenient access to shopping and transportation. 👉Koyuen Ryokan: Experience pure luxury with stunning views from the rooftop onsen. Enjoy the ultimate relaxation while taking in the scenery—simply amazing~ Matsuyama is a truly wonderful place to explore. Save this guide and embark on your dream trip💖!

Matsuyama, Japan, refers to Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture. Located in the northeastern part of Shikoku Island, facing the Seto Inland Sea, it is the prefectural capital of Ehime and the most populous city in the Shikoku region. Matsuyama has many attractions worth visiting. Here are some of the main ones: History and Culture - Matsuyama Castle: One of Japan's most beautiful original castles and one of Japan's three major interconnected flatland-mountain castles. It was built between 1602 and 1628. You can take a cable car or lift to the top, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and Matsuyama City. Inside the castle, there are exhibits about the history of Matsuyama and the feudal period.  - Dogo Onsen: One of Japan's three oldest hot springs, with a thousand-year history. It is the model for the bathhouse in the Studio Ghibli film *Spirited Away*. There is also a royal bathhouse here, and a free footbath next to it.  - Isaniwa Shrine: A 5-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Honkan, this is one of Japan's three major Hachiman-zukuri style shrines, with a thousand-year history. The long staircase, paired with the sunset, creates a beautiful scene, so it is recommended to visit in the evening. - Enman-ji Temple: A famous temple for finding love in Japan, with many cute little monk statues. Although small, the temple has a spiritual atmosphere. Natural Scenery - Shimonada Station: A beautiful, unmanned station by the sea. You can take the same train line featured in *Spirited Away* to get here. Enjoy the beautiful sea view and send postcards.  - Mezutsu Station: Famous for being the location where Rika and Kanji broke up in the final scene of *Tokyo Love Story*. Even today, many people come here and tie white handkerchiefs like Rika did.  Culture, Art, and Others - Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum: Designed by Tadao Ando, this museum uses geometric shapes and fair-faced concrete. Its theme is based on Ryotaro Shiba's novel of the same name.  - Bansuiso Villa: A European-style building next to the Aishotei, where Natsume Soseki once lived. It is now a café.  - Takashimaya Ferris Wheel: Located near Matsuyama Station, you can ride the Ferris wheel to enjoy the city view of Matsuyama, especially the romantic night view.

Together with Ishitegi Temple a visit to Isaniwa Shrine is well worth it, not more than 700 meters from Dogo Onsen. The approach to the shrine is more daunting but easily doable, just take your time and hug the center rail if you feel uneasy. Two emperors and an empress are enshrined here. Check out the treasure hall with swords and armour if you are a samurai aficionado. In 2024, I want to come back here. #2024wish