Matsuyama｜The Yujinja Shrine without Yubaba and the Nakajima Shrine that pastry chefs must visit

Dogo Onsen has a history of 3,000 years. There are actually many shrines worth visiting nearby, such as Yu Jinja Shrine. This shrine is regarded as the energy field of Dogo Onsen. It is solemn and simple. I don’t know why, but it reminds me of the Yubaba’s oil house in Spirited Away.

This Yu Jinja Shrine is said to have been built by the order of the 12th Emperor Keikyu, and is dedicated to Okuninushi and Sukunahikona. It is said that when Sukunahikona was injured, Okuninushi used the water of Dogo Onsen. It cured him. Because of the legend, Yu Jinja Shrine has become a power spot of Dogo Onsen. It is said that after the Hoei earthquake in 1707, Kansai and Shikoku suffered serious disasters. The Dogo Onsen, which had existed for thousands of years, suddenly stopped flowing. The locals were extremely anxious. After devout sacrifices and prayers, it miraculously flowed again. In March every year, a grand Yu Festival is held. In addition to being regarded as the guardian of hot springs, Yu Jinja Shrine is also regarded as a shrine for good relationships, eliminating disasters, and commercial prosperity.

Next to Yujinja Shrine, there is also a Nakajima Shrine. This shrine was established in 1957 and was planned by a Shikoku pastry chef. The story dates back to the time of Emperor Suinin. The emperor ordered Tanjima Morimi to find the magical fruit of immortality - Tokijikunomi. It took ten years, but when he came back, Emperor Suinin had passed away. He did not bring back the Tokijikan fruit, but an orange tree. Tanjima Morimi was too sad and dedicated the orange tree to the queen before his death. His tomb is built in the pond of Emperor Suinin's mausoleum. Because it looks like a floating island, it is called Nakajima Shrine. The Nakajima Shrine in Matsuyama is a branch of the Nakajima Shrine in Toyooka, Hyogo.
Tanjima Morimi is regarded as the god of Japanese confectionery and citrus. The shrine is surrounded by stone tablets dedicated by Shikoku Japanese confectionery and cake makers. It is also a god that Shikoku pastry chefs must worship.

📍Address: 4-4-10 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842 Japan
🚗Get off at Shindo-go Onsen Station by tram and walk for eight minutes.

#5月好去处2025

Post by 旅行中的野馬 | Jun 13, 2025