Tamanoishi

While I was in Matsuyama, I walked to the Dogo Onsen Main Building. On the side of the building was a large stone surrounded by a gate. It had a sign that said, "Tama no Ishi" (Precious Stone). When I returned to the hotel, I saw a painting with a description of the stone.

According to legend, two Shinto gods were visiting the hot springs. Suku na hikona, a small god, became sick. The grand god, Okuninushi No Mikoto, became concerned and put him in the hot spring. Suku na hikona returned to health and to show his thankfulness, he danced on on top of a stone. That stone is "Tama no Ishi".