Ishite-ji Okunoin Atago-sha

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.

Ishiteji Okunoin Atagosha is the inner sanctuary (okunoin) of Ishiteji Temple, the 51st temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Ishiteji is one of Matsuyama's leading ancient temples, located to the east and within walking distance of Dogo Onsen, enshrining Yakushi Nyorai as its main deity, and its Niomon Gate built in the Kamakura period is designated as a National Treasure. To reach the okunoin, visitors can walk along the mountain path from the area with the main hall and worship in a quiet environment.

Ishiteji is also known for the legend of Emon Saburo associated with Kobo Daishi, and the temple name "Ishite" is said to derive from this legend. Located within walking distance from Dogo Onsen, it is a sacred site visited by many people in conjunction with hot spring tours and town strolls. The okunoin is located beyond its approach, allowing visitors to spend time quietly away from the bustle of the temple grounds.

Source: "Ishiteji" Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and others. Please check local information for accessible hours and paths. Last confirmed date: July 10, 2026

More spots in Ishite-ji Temple Area

See all in this area

Cook Chum Dogo Ishite

Cookchum Dogoishite is located in Shin-Ishite, Matsuyama, Ehime. It is a takeout-focused store handling prepared foods and boxed lunches, and is located near the Dogo Onsen area.

51-ban Shokudo

An eating house on the approach to Ishiteji, the 51st temple of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. It makes and sells its speciality yakimochi, and also serves udon, soba and oden.

Oshokujidokoro Miyoshi (Miyoshi Honpo)

An eating house in front of the gate of Ishiteji. Founded in the Meiji era, its speciality is oyaki in plain and mugwort varieties, and meals such as udon are also served.

Sobaya Futaba

A soba restaurant in Ishite, Matsuyama. It opens for lunch, with evenings by reservation only, and stands towards Ishiteji.

Familymart Matsuyama Ishite

Near Dogo, this convenience store has a large parking area and eat-in space. It is open 24 hours.

Ryori Ryokan Sendan

Ryori Ryokan Sendan in Ishite, Matsuyama. A ryokan centred on its cuisine, located in the Ishiteji area.

Masaoka Shiki Haiku Monument (Ishite-ji Temple Approach)

A haiku monument of Masaoka Shiki is located on the approach to Ishite-ji Temple, the 51st pilgrimage temple in Shikoku. It can be visited along with a visit to Ishite-ji Temple, known for its National Treasure, Nio-mon.

Okashi Kobo Ochi

A Western confectionery shop in Ishite, Dogo, founded in 2001 (Heisei 13), using Ehime-grown fruit and vegetables. It sells the Dogo Roll and made-to-order cakes.

More "Shrines" spots

See all in this category

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.

Oyamazumi Jinja Shrine (Ishite)

A shrine located in Ishite, Matsuyama City. It is said to have been founded in 1279 when Kono Michiari transferred the divided deity from Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima.

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.

Matsuyama Toshogu (formerly Matsuyama Shrine)

A shrine in Iwaidani-higashi-machi, Matsuyama, enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu and Sugawara no Michizane. In 2025 (Reiwa 7) it was renamed from its former name, Matsuyama Shrine, to Matsuyama Toshogu. Its shrine buildings are designated Tangible Cultural Properties of Ehime Prefecture.

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.