Hijiri Shrine

Hijiri Shrine sits in the quiet town of Ochi in Ehime, a small Shinto compound surrounded by tall cedar and camphor trees that shade the stone approach. The main hall and torii gate follow classic shrine architecture, and the grounds hold several smaller subsidiary shrines arranged along the edges of the forest clearing. The shrine is a local gathering point for seasonal festivals and new year visits rather than a major tourist destination, which gives it an unpretentious atmosphere throughout the year. A visit here works well as a short detour during a drive through central Ehime, particularly if you're moving between Matsuyama and the Shimanto or pilgrimage route areas.