Joshin-ji Temple
A Tendai Buddhist temple in Iwaidani-higashi-machi, Matsuyama. One of the four temples associated with the Hisamatsu-Matsudaira family, it was relocated to its present site in 1635 (Kan'ei 12) by Matsudaira Sadayuki. The grounds contain the mausoleum of Matsudaira Sadayuki, a designated Ehime Prefecture historic site.
Joshinji is a Tendai sect temple located in Iwaidani Higashimachi, Matsuyama City, and is one of the four temples associated with the Hisamatsu Matsudaira family, the lords of the Matsuyama Domain.
History
It is said to have originated from a Jinguji temple of the Hosso sect built by imperial decree in 690, changed to the Shingon sect during the 806-809 period, and changed to the Tendai sect in 829. At the time of conversion to the Tendai sect, it is said that an eleven-faced Kannon Bosatsu statue, attributed to Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), was enshrined.
In 1635, Matsudaira Sadayuki, who became the lord of the Matsuyama Domain, moved the temple to its current location for the protection of Matsuyama Castle, following the precedents of Enryakuji in Kyoto and Kaneiji in Edo, and renamed the temple Joshinji. It was destroyed by fires in 1704 and 1792 respectively, and both were rebuilt later.
Highlights
In the precincts, there is the mausoleum of Matsudaira Sadayuki, the first lord of the Matsuyama Domain, which is designated as a historical site of Ehime Prefecture. It is located on a hill in Iwaidani, slightly away from the Dogo Onsen town, allowing for worship in a quiet environment.
Source: "Joshinji (Matsuyama City)" Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) Last confirmed date: July 2026
More spots in North Dogo Area
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The bakery Shizen Wo Hoobaru sola is located within the Iwaidani complex. Curry bread and sandwiches are popular, and it has eat-in and terrace seating.
Shikoku Tours (Rental Cycles)
A rental cycle and tour business based in Iwaidani, Matsuyama. Bicycle rentals are available with reservations accepted until the previous day.
Mausoleum of Matsudaira Sadayuki
The mausoleum of Matsudaira Sadayuki (1587–1668), the first lord of the Matsuyama Domain, located within the grounds of Joshin-ji Temple. It is a designated historic site of Ehime Prefecture. Sadayuki entered Matsuyama in 1635 (Kan'ei 12) and rebuilt the keep of Matsuyama Castle into three tiers.
Iwaidani Kita Park
A park for local residents in a quiet residential area. It has a combined play structure notable for its circular monkey bars, offering a calm, spacious place for children to play.
Iris Pharmacy Iwaidani
Iris Pharmacy Iwai Dani is a pharmacy centered on prescription dispensing, which can be used in conjunction with facilities in the Iwaidani area.
Iwaidani 1-chome Park
A small park ideal for a baby's or toddler's first park outing. It has a sandpit edged with urethane and spring-mounted playground rides shaped like a chick and a rabbit.
Sakai Mokuzen Haiku Monument (Iwaidani Community Center)
A haiku monument with a haiku by Sakai Mokuzen stands in front of Iwaidani Kominkan in Matsuyama. It is one of the haiku monuments scattered throughout Matsuyama.
Iwaidani Park
A neighborhood park with fine views set within a residential area. The cherry blossoms are beautiful in spring, and it has a combined play structure with a swing, seesaw, and slide.
More "Parks & Gardens" spots
See all in this category →Hojoen
The plaza in front of Dogo Onsen Station. With the Botchan Karakuri Clock and a free foot bath that is easy to drop by, it is the starting point of a Dogo stroll.
Iwaidani 1-chome Park
A small park ideal for a baby's or toddler's first park outing. It has a sandpit edged with urethane and spring-mounted playground rides shaped like a chick and a rabbit.
Dogo Park (Yuzuki Castle Ruins)
A park developed on the ruins of medieval Yuzuki Castle. It was the seat of the Kono clan, military governors of Iyo Province, and is designated a National Historic Site. It features reconstructed samurai residences and earthworks, a museum, and an observation deck.
Shin-Ishite Park
A popular family park along the Ishite River. It has colorful combined playground equipment and a sandpit, and the restrooms are equipped with diaper-changing sheets.
Iwaidani Park
A neighborhood park with fine views set within a residential area. The cherry blossoms are beautiful in spring, and it has a combined play structure with a swing, seesaw, and slide.
Ishitegawa Green Space (Iwazeki Bridge Area)
An area defined by Iwazeki-bashi, a red suspension bridge completed in the Taisho era. You can enjoy strolling and photography with the murmur of the river as background.
KKR Dogo Yuzuki
A lodging and banquet facility in Iwasaki-cho, Matsuyama. Close to the Dogo Onsen district, it is an inn where guests can enjoy hot springs and meals, and it is also open to the general public.
Botchan Karakuri Clock
A mechanical clock in Hojoen plaza in front of Dogo Onsen Station. Installed in 1994 to mark the 100th anniversary of the main building of Dogo Onsen, characters from the novel Botchan appear on the hour. A free foot bath sits beside it.