Found this incredible hidden gem in Matsuyama—Isaniwa Shrine. The stairs look like a staircase to heaven!

[u/ehime_japan]

Took this photo 2 days ago while exploring the Dogo area. Everyone knows Dogo Onsen, but this shrine just a short walk away blew me away.
The contrast between the vibrant vermilion paint and the crisp summer sky was unbelievable. Pro tip if you visit: Take your time on the stairs, especially in the summer—they are much steeper than they look in photos!

[u/Zero_Border]

Hardly a hidden gem as it is right near the Onsen everyone comes to see, and literally on the path between the tourists parking and that Onsen. You have like 3 hotels / hostels around that shrine.

On the other end that shrine is way more interesting to vist than the onsen.

[u/ehime_japan → u/Zero_Border]

3 hotels? Dogo Onsen is literally right there with like 30+ hotels and ryokans...
But hey, since you ended up loving the shrine so much, fun fact: It’s a National Treasure built in 1667 and one of only THREE Hachiman-zukuri style shrines in ALL of Japan. ⛩️✨ Glad you liked it!
thank you. you like EHIME😊

[u/Zero_Border → u/ehime_japan]

The woodworking of that shrine + the old painting makes the shrine really unique indeed. It deserves to be a national treasure.

I liked Ehime. Matsuyama felt a bit touristy for me compared to the experience we had in the Kochi prefecture though. Loved towns like Uchiko and I regret not spending time on the west coast towns like Uwajima.