Held annually from October 9 to 11, the Konpira-san Taisai is the most important festival at the revered Kotohiragu Shrine, worshipped by seafarers since ancient times. The centrepiece is an elaborate portable shrine procession that descends the famous 785-step stone stairway and winds through Kotohira town with musicians, priests, and attendants in Heian-period court dress. Traditional performing arts including bugaku dance and noh theatre are staged within the shrine grounds free of charge. Visitors may also access inner precincts that are otherwise restricted throughout the year.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- October 9–11
- Region
- Shikoku
- Prefecture
- Kagawa
- City
- Kotohira
Highlights
- ◆Mikoshi procession down 785 famous stone steps
- ◆Heian-period court dress for participants
- ◆Bugaku dance and noh theatre performances
- ◆Rare access to inner shrine precincts
- ◆Seafarers' shrine with centuries of maritime devotion