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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.
My strongest impression of Kotohiragu Shrine in Kagawa was, “There are seriously so many stairs!” As I climbed, the scenery and shrine buildings along the way were very distinctive, but toward the end, my legs really started to feel sore.
As I made my way up the steps, I stopped along the way to rest and catch my breath, constantly thinking, “How much farther is it?” When I finally reached the shrine, it really felt like I had completed a challenge. I was completely exhausted, but seeing the view in front of me still made it feel worthwhile.
Kotohiragu Shrine is an attraction that requires some stamina. If you aren't mentally prepared before coming, the endless stairs will really take you by surprise! Still, walking the whole way myself made it a very memorable part of the trip. Next time, I'll definitely wear comfortable shoes and take my time climbing!
Kotohiragu Shrine is a must-visit when you come to Kagawa. The stone steps along the approach keep stretching upward, earning it the nickname “the shrine path that challenges your stamina and faith.”
This time, we climbed all the way to the 977th step and reached the quiet, solemn Shiramine Shrine. The scenery along the way was beautiful, and the fresh air in the forest made every step feel like a conversation with nature.
We didn’t make it all the way to the final inner shrine, but getting this far already felt like a real achievement. Leaving a little unfinished gives us a reason to come back next time. Next time, we’ll definitely take on the rest of the stairs! ⛩️🌿
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.
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