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)
Kotohiragu Shrine | Review by Claire Chang
Other Reviews by Claire Chang
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Fukuchizan Shuzenji Temple
This temple is located in the Shuzenji Onsen Town, where the scenery is beautiful from season to season. The temple is called Fukuchizan Shuzenji, short for "Fukuchizan Shuzen Bannan Zenji." The temple is also known as the setting of "Shuzenji Monogatari" written by Okamoto Kido, a writer active in the Meiji era.
A peaceful and historic temple.
You can really feel the simple charm of the small alleys here.
Walking around, you get a sense of the dramatic history that took place here...
Try the Dokko-no-yu hot spring—it's legendary!
The Hojo era was full of drama (with Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako's son).
The Five Bridges of Love are romantic and long-lasting.
There's Togetsu Bridge (Love at First Sight),
Kokei Bridge (Admiration),
Katsura Bridge (Connection),
Maple Bridge (Closeness),
and Takishita Bridge (Peace).
It's really worth taking a stroll here and even staying overnight at a hot spring.
On a midsummer night, check out the nearby Red Frog Park—you can see tons of natural LED lights (fireflies)!
On the right side of the temple, there's a pudding shop. I recommend grabbing a pudding and giving it a try! -
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Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Top 3 Scenic Spots, along with the bay of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Aki, Hiroshima Prefecture. Across the length of this 3.6km landbridge you’ll find 5000 pine trees planted across its 20m-170m wide shores.
Amanohashidate means 'Bridge to Heaven.' When you look down from the mountains on either side of the sandbar, it really does look like a pathway connecting heaven and earth.
Highly recommend these spots:
☆ Kasamatsu Park:
Take the cable car from Fuchu Station (about 4 minutes) to Kasamatsu Park for a great view of the sandbar. Don't just ride the cable car—be sure to stroll along the pine forest path too!
☆ Looking through your legs:
For over a thousand years, locals have bent over and looked at the bay between their legs to enjoy the most beautiful view. This pose is called 'Matanozoki.' When you're here, try this fun local tradition!
☆ Rotating Bridge:
This bright red bridge rotates 90 degrees to connect Amanohashidate Park. Whenever a boat needs to pass, the bridge turns, lets the boats through, and then rotates back so people can cross again. The whole process takes about 5 minutes—it's really interesting and worth seeing in person! -
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Thatch Roof Fuki-kae Experience
The thatch roofs of Miyama are characterized by soft rounded curves and a beautiful and even configuration that extends to the edge. It is necessary to do a "fuki-kae" to replace the "kaya" of the roof once every 20 years. Experience the Satoyama lifestyle through the "fuki-kae" process that is filled with the wisdom and sense of beauty of people's lives.
A peaceful mountain village.
Every visit here leaves me feeling refreshed and relaxed.
You can get here from Kyoto by train!
The unique architecture features wooden houses with thatched roofs. The walls, doors, and windows are all made from wooden planks—no nails or metal, just thick straw ropes holding everything together.
The sloped roofs help snow slide off easily, and the rooftops even use special shrine-style features to prevent snow from piling up.
Miyama's thatched village houses are of the Kitayama style, blending different traditional Japanese designs. They're built to withstand heavy winter snow and still show off Kyoto's delicate architectural beauty.
The countryside here is super simple and pure, with no commercial activity at all. These are real homes, so you really get a sense of the quiet, rustic lifestyle people used to have, living deep in the mountains, cut off from the world.
It's a different vibe compared to Shirakawa-go or Ouchi-juku.
☆ Scenery in all four seasons:
Spring: gentle breezes and fresh greenery
Summer: lush green mountains and sprouting rice
Autumn: cool winds and golden rice fields
Winter: snowflakes falling, peaceful and white
☆ There are a few cafés and small restaurants in the village:
Cafe Miran
Cafe & Gallery Saika
Sakaya Pizza Cafe
Kichinojo (sells bread)
Soba Restaurant Kitamura (next to the parking lot) -
