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
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