Kotohiragu, affectionately known as Konpira-san, is dedicated to the guardian deity of seafarers and has drawn pilgrims for over a millennium. The stone staircase ascends through cedar forest past treasure houses, a noh theatre, and rest stops selling famous salt sweets. The main shrine is reached at step 785, while the inner shrine sits at the full 1,368-step summit with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea on clear days. Shikoku's most visited single shrine destination, it pairs naturally with the nearby Shikoku 88-temple route.
- Type
- Venue
- Category
- Temple/Shrine
- Season
- Year-round
- Month
- Year-round (best Spring & Autumn)
- Region
- Shikoku
- Prefecture
- Kagawa
- City
- Kotohira
Highlights
- ◆1,368 stone steps to the dramatic inner shrine
- ◆Views over Sanuki Plain and Seto Inland Sea from summit
- ◆Historic noh theatre (Shoin) within the shrine complex
- ◆Traditional kago (palanquin) carry service to main hall
- ◆Famous omamori sea-voyage amulets and salt caramel sweets