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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.
You’ll seriously question your life choices on the way up—there are so many stairs. But the sense of accomplishment when you finish feels amazing. Totally worth it!
Kotohiragu Shrine — I finally made it up all 785 steps! Halfway up, I really wanted to turn back, but I’m glad I kept going.
It was honestly a bit tiring the whole way up, but the moment I arrived, it felt so worth it.
I bought a golden omamori, and it felt full of blessings and strength.
I challenged myself to climb Kotohiragu Shrine, said to be one of the hardest shrines in Japan to visit.
This time, I only went from the main approach to the main shrine, climbing a total of 785 stone steps. It was exhausting, but it felt really rewarding when I made it to the top.
The scenery was absolutely beautiful.
When I first came to Kotohira last fall, I didn’t know the main shrine’s visiting hours. Both times I ended up heading up in the dark, and I went home empty-handed without getting any omamori.
I came back again during winter break, and not only did I make the round trip to the main shrine twice, I also finally made it up to the Okusha. All 1,368 steps—mission accomplished 😆 The Okusha with a light layer of snow was so beautiful.
On the way, I saw lots of dogs of all sizes hiking up with their families too, which was a fun sight.
Once you make it up all 785 steps, an amazing view is waiting for you. Wear comfortable shoes!
On the approach, there’s a long-established candy shop called Ike Shoten. The owner, Mr. Ike, really knows the history of Konpira-san, so if he happens to be in, you’re lucky—try chatting with him and asking questions. The fruit candy you can eat there is also worth trying. As a souvenir, I recommend Kamiyo-ame (かみよあめ), which comes with a mini mallet so you can take the good fortune home and share it with everyone.
Like the article mentioned, I heard you’ll have some good luck if you can float a 1-yen coin in the water jar near Asahisha, so it’s a good idea to bring a 1-yen coin.
After your visit, I also recommend stopping by Donzo Brewing (呑象ブリューイング) to quench your thirst with a Kotohira craft beer.
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