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Known as "Konpira-san," it is one of the most famous spiritual spots in Shikoku.
The head shrine of Kotohira Shrine stands on Mt. Zozu. It is visited by about 4 million worshippers a year. The main deity, Oomononushinokami, has been known since before the Middle Ages as a guardian deity of maritime traffic and a deity that brings a bountiful harvest and prosperity of industry and culture.
The deity is enshrined in the main hall, built before the year 645. From the entrance to the main hall, long stone stairs stretch, 785 steps in all! Take them slowly with a wish in your heart, stopping at a spot with Kotohira Shrine’s art and cultural properties, or at cafes and the restaurant, Kamitsubaki. The popular yellow amulet is believed to bring happiness.
After a worship, stroll around the shrine town for eating and shopping at traditional and new shops. Kyuman cake, croquette, ice cream made of ingredients from nearby Sanuki Region, and other beautiful gourmet items and souvenirs, traditional and modern, are available.
The main hall at a plateau 251m above sea level
Many visitors rent a walking stick before the stone stairs
The main hall has an observation deck with a view over Sanuki Plain and Sanuki Fuji
Sayabashi Bridge, used in rituals, is a national tangible cultural property
Some reviews are AI-translated.
On clear days, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea from up high. The scenery is really stunning.
Kotohiragu Shrine has always been a sacred place in the hearts of Japanese people—everyone should visit at least once in their life. Located halfway up Mt. Kotohira in Kagawa, Shikoku, it used to be called Konpira Daigongen. Back in the Edo period, even though travel was restricted, people were still allowed to visit shrines, so it was always crowded with worshippers.
This shrine is said to be the toughest to visit in Japan because you have to climb 1,368 steps...
In November 2019, I brought a group here and told myself I had to take on the challenge! (The toughest climb I’ve done before was the 999 steps at Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie.)
There’s a trail here, so it’s a bit easier.
365 → 785 → 1,368
From the main approach to the main shrine, you climb 785 steps. If you want to go to the inner shrine, you climb another 583 steps, for a total of 1,368.
Along the way, I rushed up with five group members—we were determined! The path from the main shrine to the inner shrine gets quieter and more secluded as you go. When we finally reached the inner shrine, all six of us were super happy! After such a tough climb, you have to buy an omamori (good luck charm) to prove you made it to the top—1,368 steps!
We did the round trip: 1,368 x 2 = 2,736 steps.
It felt amazing, like we absorbed the energy of the place. We made it in a limited amount of time! If you’re in Shikoku, you have to come to Kotohiragu Shrine for an energy-boosting trip!
Because it’s so hard to visit, sometimes people ask others to go on their behalf—or even send their dogs! The dogs carry a bag with their owner’s name, offering money, and food for the journey. Travelers along the way take care of the dogs and help them reach the shrine. Over time, these dogs became known as 'Konpira Dogs.'
There’s a bronze statue of a Konpira Dog to honor them. Next to the main shrine, you can even get a Konpira Dog fortune slip. Don’t forget to draw one for good luck when you visit!
[Main Shrine Route]
Monzenmachi → First Slope (113 steps) → Main Gate (365 steps) → Konpira Dog Statue (431 steps) → Restaurant 'Kamitsubaki' (500 steps) → Sagenoki Gate (642 steps) → Shitomochi Shrine (739 steps) → Main Shrine (785 steps)
[Inner Shrine Route]
Main Shrine (785 steps) → Mai Bridge (809 steps) → Tokiwa Shrine (832 steps) → Shiramine Shrine (923 steps) → Chozuya (1,261 steps) → Okusha (1,368 steps)
I started with the first 785 steps and felt okay, so I went for all 1,368 steps. It took about two hours round trip. My legs were sore the next day!
My knees hurt for days after visiting! 😂
One of the most famous spots in Shikoku! Climbing over 1,000 steps will leave everyone out of breath.
