Iyo Inari Shrine

This shrine has the highest rank of Shoichii, the highest rank of a shrine. Passing through the red torii gate, visitors are greeted by a massive tower gate (a prefectural cultural property). The tower gate is a hybrid of Japanese and Chinese styles, and is said to have been designed by Matsuyama Choemon, a master craftsman who also built Isaniwa Shrine in Dogo and Nyoho-ji Zen Hall in Ozu. As the shrine is located on high ground, after worshipping at the shrine, you can view the Iyo-Nada Sea from the tower gate at the end of the approach that continues straight ahead. There are three wisteria stalks on the grounds, which form a wisteria trellis that is in full bloom in early May. One is a white wisteria, and the other two are purple wisteria. All wisteria stalks are large and said to be about 300 years old. They were designated as natural monuments of the city in 1960.