Ishizuchi-jinja Shrine 石鎚神社

Head off the beaten track to this secluded shrine that can be visited during your journey through the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage .

The main Ishizuchi-jinja Shrine is located just a short train ride away from the city of Saijo.

You can take a Yosan Line Shiokaze Limited Express from Matsuyama to Iyo-Saijo station; factor in 60 minutes for the journey. Take a train from there to Ishizuchiyama Station. From the station, the shrine is a 20-minute walk. You'll be able to see the shrine's large, red torii gate from the station.

The main shrine sits at the base of Mt. Ishizuchi . It's the perfect visit for those wanting to experience some of the tranquility of the mountain without the tough hike. The shrine is shrouded in bamboo and mossy cypress trees. During spring, see cherry blossoms, or catch the fall colors in October and November. Inside the shrine grounds, look out for statues of the tengu mountain demons. At the top of the flight of stairs within the shrine, you will be awarded with magnificent views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Chugu Jojusha Shrine, at the start of the Mt. Ishizuchi Omotesando route, is also part of the shrine complex. Visit here before beginning to climb the mountain. Once at the top, you can visit another of Ishizuchi's shrines while taking in jaw-dropping views of the mountains and outlying Seto Inland Sea.