The mysterious guardian deity of Futami, the legend of Komainu

A unique guardian deity found only in Japan

Matsushima Shrine in Futami-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, is enshrined with a rare Komainu in the form of a turtle, not the usual lion-dog. It is a mysterious existence found only here in Japan. The ancient tales have been passed down, narrating the origin of this mysterious guardian deity.

A breathtaking view at the top of a long staircase from the sea

To reach Matsushima Shrine, you need to climb a long flight of stone steps along the seaside. As you climb the staircase, catching your breath, you will suddenly be greeted by a breathtaking view of the sea. If you're lucky, you may also get a close-up view of the train running along the tracks.

The fusion of ancient legends and modern culture

The legend of the Komainu is a testament to the traditional culture of this region. On the other hand, recently, a student band from Tokushima,