Isaniwa Shrine — Attraction in Matsuyama

Months had passed since the heartbreak, and now I found myself standing at the gates of Isaniwa Shrine. My ex-girlfriend, her cousin, her sister, and I were in Japan for a vacation, a trip that was supposed to bring us closer together. But instead, it became a journey of personal healing for me. Isaniwa Shrine, with its ancient presence and deep spiritual energy, stood as a symbol of strength and serenity. Nestled on the gentle hills of Matsuyama, the shrine’s architecture was magnificent, with its red-painted wooden structures that blended harmoniously into the natural landscape. The stone pathways leading to the main hall felt like steps taken through centuries of history. I could almost feel the weight of tradition and the countless prayers offered here over the centuries. The shrine was dedicated to several deities, including Emperor Chūai and Empress Jingū. It had been established over 1,800 years ago, and the peaceful surroundings made it a perfect place for reflection. The air felt different here still, yet full of reverence, as if time itself paused at the gates. It had all started when she left me for someone else someone I had helped, supported, and believed in. The betrayal had hurt deeply, but standing here in the serenity of the shrine, I realized I no longer felt that same sharp pain. The anger had faded. I wasn’t angry at her, or him, anymore. I had let go. As I stood there, looking around at the beauty and peace of the temple, I thought about how life can change unexpectedly. I realized that, although it hurt in the past, I truly wanted them both to find happiness. I hoped she and the guy would have the life they were searching for a life filled with joy, love, and fulfillment. The pain of loss had turned into a quiet acceptance, a sense of letting go of the past and wishing them well, even if it wasn’t with me. The peaceful sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the distant chime of the shrine bell filled me with a calm I had long forgotten. I understood now that healing wasn’t about holding on to old wounds or seeking revenge it was about moving forward with peace in your heart. I didn’t want anyone else to experience the pain I had gone through, but I knew that life had its own way of unfolding. I prayed, not for answers or to go back to what was, but for strength to continue my journey. I prayed for the courage to move forward with an open heart, ready for whatever lay ahead. As I stood in front of the honden (main hall), surrounded by the tranquility of the shrine grounds, I felt a quiet sense of hope. I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew I was okay now. I had healed. And with that, I took the first steps into a new chapter one of hope, self-love, and acceptance, knowing that sometimes, letting go is the greatest...

2025.07.30 本年も｢夏越し｣ 暑い中鬼のお面の方によるお祓いは有難い。

※こちらは「観光地」ではなく現在も結婚式を希望する方のいらっしゃる歴史ある由緒正しき『神社』である。

某アーチストは来松の際は階段を1日に何往復もされてらっしゃる。

長い階段を登ると美しい神社の姿がある。(徒歩が厳しい方は正面から見て階段右側に神社に近い駐車場へ行ける道もある。こちらは車道と歩道の区別があり階段が不安な場合は検討がお勧めである)

自分はいつもパワーを頂いている。

神社から眺める道後の景色も美しい。

しかしながら 「あくまで個人的感想と価値観ゆえ悪しからず」

「よく参られました」確かにこちら以外では宮司様、巫女様から暖かい言葉を頂いていた。 当たり前ではなく「有難い」と感じていたが… 何人かの方が書かれているようにこちらではそれは全くなかった。 しかしそれぞれ「神社の在り方や考え方もあるのだろう」と理解していたが奉納の品をお渡しした際に(気持ちゆえ)雑な扱いに驚いたのは事実である。 尚且つ御札を購入のため紙幣を地面に落としそうなため 「お守りの上」ではなく、 「お守りを並べた箱の端」に一旦置かせて頂いたが宮司様から見たらお守りの上に置いたように見えたのだろうきつい口調になり正直良い気分では無かったが 「折角の参拝ゆえ謝罪をさせて頂いた」

ただ世の中も時代も考え方も変わりつつある今 「決してお互いがへりくだる訳ではなく」 『神様は決して悪以外には寛容ではないのであろうか？』と思う。 神様と参拝者の橋渡しの宮司様(ご自身でもきついことを言い「怒って帰る人もいる」とお話されていたが…)

参拝者様も宮司様も(信者という訳ではないが) 神様の前での言動は考える時代になったのではないであろうか？とつくづく感じた。

由緒正しく立派な神社ゆえ個人的に残念な気持ちになってしまった。

This is not a "tourist spot" but a historic and venerable "shrine" with people still looking for a wedding.

When a certain artist came to Matsu, he traveled several times back and forth on the stairs in a day.

If you climb the long stairs you will see a beautiful shrine. (If you're strict about walking, there's a road on the right side of the stairs that you can get to the parking lot close to the shrine from the front. This is a distinction between a road and a sidewalk, so if you're worried about the stairs, we recommend considering it.

I'm always getting power.

The view from the shrine is also beautiful.

however "Please be careful not to be bad because of my personal opinion and values."

"You're so well," it's true that outside of this, I've been receiving warm words from the priest and shrine maiden. I felt that it was "thank you" rather than obvious... As some have said, this was not the case here. However, each person understood that "they probably have a way of working and thinking about the shrine," but it is true that when they handed over the offerings, they were surprised at how rough they treated them (due to their feelings). Furthermore, it is likely that the banknotes will be dropped on the ground to purchase the talisman. Not "on the amulet" I placed it on the "end of a box with amulets lined up," but from the viewpoint of the priest, it must have looked like it had been placed on top of the amulet, and honestly, it wasn't in a good mood. "I apologized because I visited the shrine."

However, the world, times and ways of thinking are changing now "It's not that we're humbled each other." "Is God never tolerant of anything other than evil? 'I think so. The chief priest who bridges the gods and worshipers (he also said that he had said that some people would go home angry, but...)

Both the worshippers and the priest (although they are not believers) We must have come to an age where we think about words and actions before God. I really felt that way.

Personally, I felt a sense of disappointment because it was such a venerable and...

(+) Beautifully and conveniently located in the Dogo Onsen area (+) About a 5 minute walk from Dogo Onsen station (Iyotestsu) (+) Vibrant, bold, colorful shrine (+) Shrine has wraparound walkway that offers a 360 degree view of main hall (+) Popular place for Hatsumode (Visiting the shrine for New Year’s) (+) Plenty of souvenirs, good luck charms, and keepsakes available for sale (+) Gorgeous view of the city front the top of the stairs

(-) Steps leading up to shrine are uneven and slippery when wet. Descending can be tricky if you’re afraid of heights. Chain link available in center to hold on to, but no rail (-) Staircase not suitable for strollers (baby car) or...