Up a long stone staircase from the streets near Dogo Onsen, Isaniwa Shrine is one of the more dramatic shrine approaches in the region. The architecture is classified as hachiman-zukuri, one of only three examples of this style surviving in Japan — the curved roof form is unusual and worth appreciating if you have any interest in traditional architecture.
The shrine is dedicated to the god Hachiman and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. The stone steps, the old trees, and the quiet of the grounds make it a good counterpoint to the crowds down at Dogo Onsen.