Isaniwa Jinja Shrine
A Hachiman-zukuri style shrine set on a hill in Dogo. The existing shrine buildings were constructed in 1667 (Kanbun 7) by Matsudaira Sadanaga, lord of the Matsuyama Domain, and the main hall and other structures are designated National Important Cultural Properties.
Isaniwa Shrine is a shrine located in Sakuradanicho, Matsuyama City. It is a Shikinaisha (shrine listed in the Engishiki) and is enshrined on a hill up the stone steps on the east side of Dogo Onsen Honkan. The main enshrined deities are Emperor Chuai, Empress Jingu, and others, and it has been called "Yuzuki Hachiman" since ancient times.
Hachiman-zukuri Style Shrine Buildings
The existing shrine buildings were constructed in 1667 by Sadanaga Matsudaira, the lord of the Matsuyama Domain. They are in the "Hachiman-zukuri" style, which features two buildings connected front to back. Along with Usa Jingu in Oita and Iwashimizu Hachiman-gū in Kyoto, it is said to be one of only three remaining examples of Hachiman-zukuri in the country. It is said to have been built modeled after Iwashimizu Hachiman-gū.
Important Cultural Properties
The Honden (main hall) was designated as a national Important Cultural Property in 1956, and the Shinnden (hall of worship), corridor, Romon (tower gate), and Kairo (cloister) were designated as such in 1967. In addition, a sword (tachi) made in the Kamakura period and dedicated by Sadanaga Matsudaira (inscribed Kuniyuki, length 77.7 cm) is also a national Important Cultural Property. The vermilion-painted shrine buildings and steep stone steps are impressive.
Sangaku (Votive Tablets for Wasan)
As shrine treasures, 22 sangaku panels dedicated from the late Edo period to the Meiji period have been passed down and are designated as Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Ehime Prefecture (dating from 1803 to the Showa period). Sangaku are votive tablets (ema) dedicated to shrines that record problems and solutions of wasan (mathematics that developed independently in Japan), and it is rare nationwide for this many to remain together.
Access
- About a 5-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Honkan
- Location: 173 Sakuradanicho, Matsuyama City
Source: Cultural Heritage Online, "Isaniwa Shrine" Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), Ehime Prefecture official information. Please check the site or official sources for worship information.
Last confirmed date: July 2026
Articles that mention this place
History
Dogo Onsen's History: From the Waters of the "Nihon Shoki" to the "Botchan-yu"
We trace the history of Dogo Onsen, counted as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, from myths and ancient legends to the mystery of Prince Shotoku's epitaph, the reconstruction of the main building in the Meiji period, the literature of Shiki and Soseki, and the recent preservation and repair work, all based on primary sources.
神社
Guardian of Dogo, Isaniwa Shrine: One of Only Three Hachiman-zukuri Shrines Nationwide and a Sanctuary of Sangaku
Isaniwa Shrine sits enshrined at the top of the stone steps from the Dogo Onsen Main Building. Based on primary sources, this article introduces the shrine that has watched over Dogo for a thousand years, including its history tied to Yuzuki Castle, its main sanctuary built in the Hachiman-zukuri style—one of only three examples in Japan—and the sangaku (mathematical tablets) dedicated there.
歴史
Yuzuki Castle and the Kono Clan — A Medieval Castle Resting in Dogo Park
Yuzuki Castle was a medieval castle located on the hill of Dogo Park, near Dogo Onsen. Built as the base of the Kono clan who ruled Iyo, this article introduces its history up to its fall during Hideyoshi's conquest of Shikoku, and the present state of the national historic site where moats, earthen ramparts, and excavated remains still remain. It also outlines the highlights in Dogo Park.
Getting around
Approach to Public Transportation and Walking for Sightseeing in Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama City Approach to Public Transportation and Walking for Sightseeing in Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama City
This explanation outlines whether sightseeing is possible using public transportation (city trams and buses) and walking, or the conditions under which a rental car is required, when traveling around the Dogo Onsen area and central Matsuyama City.
まちあるき
An Example of a Walking Model Course for a Day Trip Exploring Dogo Onsen and Dogo Park on Foot
For travelers visiting on a day trip from central Matsuyama City, this article explains an example of walking steps and precautions for efficiently touring the three public baths of Dogo Onsen and the area around Dogo Park on foot.
Walking the town
An Example of a Dogo Photo Spot Walking Route Targeting Early Morning and Sunset Hours An Example of a Dogo Photo Spot Walking Route Targeting Early Morning and Sunset Hours
For travelers who wish to take photos of historical buildings and streetscapes while avoiding crowds, this guide presents an example of a walking route to enjoy the light conditions and quiet atmosphere during the early morning and sunset hours.
まちあるき
An Example of Time Slots for Walking Along Dogo Haikara Dori in Yukata and Touring Surrounding Spots
For travelers enjoying a stroll in yukata around the Dogo Onsen town, this article clearly explains suitable time slots for moving in geta clogs and taking photos, an example of flow for visiting stopover spots, and precautions.
Walking the town
An Example of a Time Schedule for a 2-Day, 1-Night Stay in Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
This is an example of a standard stay time schedule when visiting Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture for 2 days and 1 night. It explains a reasonable route that combines the operating hours of the public bathhouses, bathing procedures, and surrounding sightseeing spots.
Practical
Basic Photography Etiquette and Precautions at Shrines and Temples Around Dogo Onsen
This explanation summarizes photography etiquette and prohibited matters when visiting shrines and temples such as Isaniwa Shrine and Ishite-ji Temple around Dogo Onsen. It explains the criteria for judgment within the precincts and inside the main halls, as well as the handling of tripods and drones.
モデルコース
A Sample One-Night, Two-Day Schedule for a Stay in Dogo Onsen
A neutral one-night, two-day itinerary example covering arrival, the shopping street, public baths, Isaniwa Shrine, and departure.
アクセス
Is a Rental Car Necessary for Sightseeing in Dogo Onsen?
A practical guide to exploring Dogo Onsen and central Matsuyama by streetcar, bus, and on foot, plus when a rental car may be useful.
More spots in Dogo Park & Isaniwa Shrine Area
See all in this area →Enthronement Commemoration Monument
A monument within Dogo Park. It was erected to celebrate the Gotaiten, the imperial enthronement ceremony, and can be viewed while strolling through the park.
LA CUISINE JAPONAISE Hari
A dining establishment on the third floor of Dogo Onsen Chaharu. It features window seats facing the English garden and private rooms decorated with photographic and textile artworks, serving lunch and dinner.
Naito Meisetsu Haiku Monument
This haiku monument is in Dogo Park. It is inscribed with the verse "Mottozu ya itsuika no tenzi futai no yama". In 1918, former dormitory residents erected it as a longevity monument to celebrate the long life of the poet Naito Meisetsu (1847–1926).
Iyo Yuoka Monument (Replica)
A monument in Dogo Park. It conveys the tradition of a monument related to Prince Shotoku’s visit to Dogo Onsen (the original monument does not exist). Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s three oldest hot springs and an ancient bath mentioned in the Manyoshu.
440 Kumo / 197 Oto
An antenna shop for Yusuhara in Kochi Prefecture and Ikata in Ehime Prefecture, on Shoninzaka in Dogo. It opened in 2024 and carries specialities and information from both towns.
Ura Dogo
A neo-retro amusement arcade opened in 2023. Enjoy shooting games, local capsule-toy machines, and photogenic jelly ice cream.
Kawahigashi Hekigoto Haiku Monument (Dogo Park)
A haiku monument within Kawahigashi Hekigoto Kuhi Dogo Koen. It commemorates Kawahigashi Hekigoto (1873–1937), a poet from Matsuyama. Hekigoto was a disciple of Masaoka Shiki and known as an innovator who promoted the New Tendency haiku.
Monument to the Merits of Isaniwa
A monument in Dogo Park. It honours Isaniwa Yukiya, the first mayor of Dogo Yunomachi, who led the 1894 (Meiji 27) rebuilding of Dogo Onsen Honkan. The Honkan is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
More "Shrines" spots
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Atago-sha, the inner sanctuary (okunoin) of Ishite-ji, the 51st temple of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. It is a quiet place of worship nestled in the hills.
Dogo Shusse Inari Jinja Shrine
An Inari shrine located in the Dogo Onsen town area (Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City). The worship hall, which had been demolished due to aging, was rebuilt in 2018.
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Yu Jinja Shrine
A shrine on Kanmuriyama hill, revered as the guardian deity of Dogo Onsen. Its principal deities are Onamuchi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto. A legend tells that hot water which had stopped after an earthquake began to flow again through prayer.
Oyamazumi Jinja Shrine (Ishite)
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