20 Shrines in Ehime worth your time

A historic island shrine housing forty percent of Japan's national treasure armor and ancient camphor trees on the Shimanami Kaido.

What it is

• The head shrine for all Oyamazumi shrines throughout Japan.
• Dedicated to the god of mountains and seas at the foot of Mount Washigato.
• Historically known as the Ichinomiya or first shrine of Iyo Province.
• Located on Omishima Island within the scenic Shimanami Kaido route.

What to see

• A massive collection of samurai armor including forty percent of Japan's national treasures.
• The main hall and worship hall designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
• Thirty-eight camphor trees on the grounds designated as national natural monuments.
• An ancient camphor tree traditionally said to be two thousand six hundred years old.
• The Omishima Maritime Museum located directly on the shrine premises.
• The current main hall which was rebuilt in the year fourteen twenty-seven.

Official site

oomishimagu.jp

Read more about Oyamazumi Shrine

Kashima Shrine is a historic site dedicated to powerful deities, offering unique cultural insights.

What it is

• Empress Jingu enshrined Take Mikazuchi no Kami and Futsunushi no Kami.
• It prayed for victory and safety during military campaigns.
• Matsudaira Okimasa offered first fruits annually since 1858.
• Kotoshironushi no Kami was enshrined together in 1911.

What to see

• The main deities are Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, Futsunushi no Kami, and Kotoshironushi no Kami.
• It has a large white stone torii gate.
• The grounds include a worship hall, offering hall, and main sanctuary.
• Ryujin Shrine was moved to the main shrine in 1955.
• Kanameishi stone protects the area from earthquakes.

When to go

• Kashima no Kaineri is an Ehime Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Address

愛媛県松山市北条辻1595 Map

Read more about Kashima Shrine

Kamo Shrine, founded in 1782, offers unique hand-washing water and historical artifacts.

What it is

• Founded in 1782.
• Established as the tutelary deity of the Zuizu area.
• Enshrines Ukanomitama-no-mikoto and Uke-mochi-no-kami.
• Also enshrines Takeuchi Ryūzaemon, founder of Zuizu Shinden.

What to see

• Hand-washing water from Kamo River's spring water.
• Water designated as one of Japan's 100 best waters in 1996.
• Stone steps with handrails from Mt. Ishizuchi's old third chain.
• Subsidiary Hakone Shrine enshrines Ninigi-no-mikoto and Konohanasakuya-hime-no-mikoto.

When to go

• Annual festival held on the day before and two days before Health and Sports Day.
• Six children's taikodai are dedicated by parishioners during the festival.

Address

愛媛県西条市禎瑞645 Map

Read more about Kamo Shrine

Ide Shrine is a historic Matsuyama shrine with unique deities and a summer festival.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Enshrines Oyamatsumi-no-kami and Konohanasakuya-hime-no-kami.
• Also enshrines Tachibana no Moroe, Kiyotomo, and Kachiko.
• Relocated to its current site during the Keicho era.

What to see

• Shrine crest is Yamabuki-mizu.
• Several auxiliary shrines are on the grounds.
• Statues and memorial mounds are present.
• A Nippon Tachibana tree is a city natural monument.

When to go

• Tenjin Festival is held on July 24th and 25th.
• Tenjin Festival is a major Matsuyama summer event.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Iyotetsu Bus Kawaramachi stop.

Address

愛媛県松山市北立花町2-4 Map

Read more about Ide Shrine

Historic shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, offering scenic views and unique architecture.

What it is

• Shrine founded in 1720 by Matsudaira Sadafusa.
• Dedicated to the scholar Sugawara no Michizane.
• Name comes from using a fishing net as a mat.
• Michizane carved his image on a rudder handle here.

What to see

• Four stone torii gates mark the entrance.
• Main hall and a worship hall are central.
• Ema hall and a brush mound are on the grounds.
• Plum grove offers seasonal beauty.
• Shijima-ga-hara is a national scenic spot.
• View Hiuchi-nada from Shijima-ga-hara.

Getting there

• 1.1km northeast of Iyo-Sakurai Station.
• Accessible from the JR Yosan Line.

Address

愛媛県今治市桜井6丁目2-1 Map

Read more about Tsunashiki Tenman Shrine

Isaniwa Shrine is a rare Hachiman-zukuri style shrine near Dogo Onsen, worth visiting for its architecture.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman Okami and Munakata Sanjoshin.
• Also known as Yuzuki Hachiman and Dogo Hachiman.
• Current building constructed in 1667 by Matsudaira Sadanao.
• Listed in the ancient Engishiki Jinmyocho records.

What to see

• The Hachiman-zukuri style building, one of three in Japan.
• Main hall, gate, and corridors are Important Cultural Properties.
• The entire shrine building is a National Important Cultural Property.
• A tachi sword, inscribed Kuniyuki, is an Important Cultural Property.

Getting there

• Located near Dogo Onsen.

Address

愛媛県松山市桜谷町１７３番地 Map

Official site

isaniwa.official.jp

Read more about Isaniwa Shrine

Visit Iyo Inari Shrine for its historical significance and beautiful gate.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-Okami.
• Also enshrines Ebisu-shin, a God of Fortune.
• Received a分霊 from Fushimi Inari Taisha in early 9th century.
• Became a prayer place for local domains in 17th century.

What to see

• The Romon gate, built in 1662, is a cultural property.
• The current main shrine building was rebuilt in 1989.

When to go

• Temporary buses operate for New Year's visits.

Getting there

• About 2 kilometers from Iyo-shi Station.
• Temporary buses from Matsuyama-shi Station for New Year's.

Address

愛媛県伊予市稲荷1230 Map

Read more about Iyo Inari Shrine

Visit this unique shrine dedicated to midwives and mothers, revered for its ancient imperial connections.

What it is

• Only shrine in Japan dedicated to Takaoshihime Okami.
• Takaoshihime Okami is ancestral deity of midwives and wet nurses.
• Revered by the Imperial Family in ancient times.
• Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho.

What to see

• Monument to mothers, children, and midwives.
• Shrine uses 'sixteen-petal chrysanthemum' and 'five-seven paulownia' crests.
• Unique myths about the birth of Emperor Jimmu's father.

When to go

• Annual event held on March 8th.
• Annual festival held on October 13th, 14th, and 15th.

Address

愛媛県伊予郡松前町大字徳丸387番地 Map

Read more about Takaoshihime Shrine

Tōdai Shrine: ancient camphor tree, unique stone komainu, and local festivals.

What it is

• Dedicated to Kukuri-hime-no-mikoto, Hayatama-no-mikoto, and Kotosaka-no-mikoto.
• Former shrine rank was village shrine.
• Shrine crest is the sixteen-petal chrysanthemum.

What to see

• Komainu are Niihama City designated stone art.
• Camphor tree is over 1,000 years old.
• Cypress and oak trees are over 300 years old.

When to go

• Summer festival includes a children's sumo tournament.
• Participates in the Niihama Taiko Festival.

Getting there

• Near the Niihama Interchange.

Address

愛媛県新居浜市東田3丁目甲1229番地 Map

Read more about Tōdai Shrine

Isono Shrine is a historic Shikinaisha shrine, rebuilt in 1606, known for its autumn festival.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha shrine in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami's Aramitama and Takekunikoribetsunomikoto.
• Formerly called Isonomiya, rebuilt in 1606 after being burned.
• The shrine's crest is a 'Goshoguruma' (imperial carriage).

What to see

• The main hall, built in 1940.
• A 700-year-old camphor tree.
• The 'Yoshu Nii Keizu', an Important Cultural Property.

When to go

• The Isono Shrine Grand Festival is on October 15th and 16th.
• Known for the Saijo Festival.

Address

愛媛県西条市中野甲1649 Map

Read more about Isono Shrine

Visit Anumi Shrine, an ancient site with two candidate locations, to experience local history.

What it is

• Ancient shrine listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho.
• Two candidate shrines exist in Misakemachi and Hiratamachi.
• Misakemachi shrine founded in 664 by Ochi Morioki.

What to see

• Misakemachi shrine's main hall rebuilt in 1957.
• Misakemachi enshrines Oyamatsumi-no-mikoto and other kami.
• Hiratamachi enshrines Oyamatsumi-no-mikoto and other kami.

Getting there

• Misakemachi shrine: 5-minute walk from Furumachi Station.
• Hiratamachi shrine: 20-minute walk from Iyowake Station.

Address

愛媛県松山市味酒町3-1-1 Map

Read more about Anumi Shrine

Ancient shrine in Matsuyama City, rebuilt multiple times, with a main festival on October 6th.

What it is

• Founded during Empress Jito's reign (686-697).
• Originally called Numito Myojin.
• Enshrines Hondawake-no-mikoto and Okinagatarashihime-no-mikoto.
• Renamed Asahi Hachiman Shrine in 1870.

What to see

• Shrine crest is Hidari Mitsudomoe.
• Current shrine building constructed in 1889.
• Ancient tumulus located behind the main hall.

When to go

• Main festival is held on October 6th.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from Matsuyama Station.

Address

愛媛県松山市南江戸5-12-1 Map

Read more about Asahi Hachiman Shrine

Uchinomiya Shrine, founded in 706, offers a glimpse into ancient Japanese worship and vibrant autumn festivals.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Formal name is Uchinomiya Teisho Kōtaijingu.
• Dedicated to the deity Amaterasu Ōmikami.
• Founded in the year 706.

What to see

• The main hall and the worship hall.
• The shrine's crest is a Goshoguruma.

When to go

• Annual festival on October 16th, 17th, and 18th.
• Festival features a taikodai stone staircase ascent ritual.
• Festival concludes with a mikoshi procession and taikodai send-off.

Address

愛媛県新居浜市山根町 Map

Read more about Uchinomiya Shrine

Ancient Hachiman shrine with historic buildings, once a domain lord's prayer place.

What it is

• Enshrines Hachiman deities.
• Founded in the year 859.
• Was a prayer place for the Ozu domain lord.
• A branch shrine of Iwashimizu Hachimangu.

What to see

• Main hall in an old architectural style.
• Worship hall built in 1694.
• Two-storied gate built in 1849.
• Votive picture horse, a cultural property.

When to go

• Annual festival on October 14th and 15th.

Getting there

• 17-minute walk from Iyo City Station.

Address

愛媛県伊予市上吾川508番地 Map

Read more about Iyooka Hachiman Shrine

Hakusan Shrine is a historic site in Niihama with a sacred tree and unique festival floats.

What it is

• A shrine in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Enshrines Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, and Kikuri-hime-no-Mikoto.
• Founded in 697 by En-no-Ozunu.
• Known as Hakusan Daigongen before the Meiji Restoration.

What to see

• The main hall, renovated in 1997.
• A sacred camphor tree, 30 meters tall.
• The camphor tree has a trunk circumference of 6 meters.

When to go

• See three Taikodai floats carried up to the main hall.

Address

愛媛県新居浜市中村2丁目10−10 Map

Read more about Hakusan Shrine

Yu Shrine, a historic Shikinaisha shrine near Dogo Onsen, enshrines four deities and offers a cultural visit.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha shrine on Mt. Kanmuri in Matsuyama City.
• Also called Yuzuki Daimyojin and Shisha Daimyojin.
• Named after Dogo Onsen, located nearby.
• Enshrines Onamuchi-no-mikoto and Sukunabikona-no-mikoto.

What to see

• The shrine's crest: a tortoise shell with a floral hishi pattern.
• Izumunooka Shrine enshrined in its ai-dono (sub-shrine).

Getting there

• Located on the summit of Mt. Kanmuri.
• Near Dogo Onsen.

Address

愛媛県松山市道後湯之町4-10 Map

Official site

yu-jinja.official.jp

Read more about Yu Shrine

Ikku Shrine, an ancient shrine in Niihama, offers a glimpse into history and nature.

What it is

• Ancient shrine, revered as the Ichinomiya of Niigun.
• Main deities: Oyamatsumi, Oikazuchi, and Takaokami.
• Oikazuchi and Takaokami invited from Omishima in 709.
• Destroyed in 1585, rebuilt in 1620 by the Mori clan.

What to see

• Camphor tree grove, a national natural monument.
• Current main hall, built in 1705.
• Newly built worship hall, completed in 2017.

When to go

• Niihama Taiko Festival held every autumn.

Address

愛媛県新居浜市一宮町1丁目3-1 Map

Read more about Ikku Shrine

Ancient shrine with a unique festival, rebuilt after a fire, and easily accessible by tram.

What it is

• Established between 859 and 877.
• Dedicated to Homudawake-no-mikoto and Okinagatarashihime-no-mikoto.
• Also enshrines Kanayamahiko-no-mikoto.
• Rebuilt and moved to current location in 1601.

What to see

• The shrine's crest is a left-facing triple tomoe.

When to go

• October 7th for a festival with clashing portable shrines.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Kiyamachi tram stop.

Address

愛媛県松山市山越3-3-2 Map

Read more about Kakuma Shrine

A branch of Izumo Taisha, this shrine offers a spiritual connection and unique pilgrimage stop.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture.
• A branch of Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture.
• Dedicated to the deity Okuninushi-no-Okami.
• Founded in 1876 with a spirit from Izumo Taisha.

What to see

• The worship hall, rebuilt in 1963.
• The shrine building, completed in 2001.
• It is the Daikokuten of the Iyo Shichifukujin pilgrimage.

Getting there

• Accessible from Honmachi 4-chome Station.

Address

愛媛県松山市本町三丁目5-5 Map

Read more about Izumo-Taisha-Matsuyama-bunshi

This historic shrine in Imabari City honors the Ochi clan and is part of a Japan Heritage site.

What it is

• A shrine in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture.
• Founded by Ochi no Sukune Takanawa.
• Hachiman-shin invited from Usa Hachimangu in 859.
• Revered as the chief shrine of the Imabari domain.

What to see

• A 1524 building tag mentions the Murakami pirate clan.
• Statue of Ochi no Mikoto on the grounds.
• Monument to the origin of the Ochi clan.

When to go

• Annual festival held on the second Sunday of October.

Address

愛媛県今治市大浜町3-1-9 Map

Read more about Ōhama Hachiman Daijinja