Kotohira-gu Shrine: The Head Shrine of the Sea Deity Climbed via 785 Stone Steps

Kotohira-gu Shrine in Kotohira Town, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture, is a shrine affectionately known nationwide as Konpira-san. Gathering faith since ancient times as a guardian deity of the sea, it is reached by a long stairway of 785 steps to the main shrine and a remarkable 1,368 steps to the inner shrine (Izutama Shrine). The spectacular views that await after climbing step by step, and the lively approach, give visitors a sense of accomplishment and deep satisfaction, making it one of Kagawa's most popular places of worship.

Faith and History of Konpira-san

Kotohira-gu enshrines Omononushi no Kami, together with Emperor Sutoku. It has long gathered wide faith as a guardian deity of maritime transport, agriculture, and medicine. In the Edo period, the Konpira pilgrimage, undertaken by people who wished to visit Konpira-san at least once in their lives, became hugely popular, drawing crowds from across the country. The heartwarming tale of the Konpira dog, in which people who could not make the journey entrusted their dog with an offering to visit on their behalf, is still passed down today.

Highlights: The 785 Stone Steps and Cultural Properties

Along the stone steps of the approach, souvenir shops and udon restaurants line the way, full of energy as if cheering on the climbers. Passing through the Omon gate leads into the precincts, where valuable cultural properties such as the fusuma paintings by Maruyama Okyo in the shoin can be admired. From the main shrine, reached after climbing all 785 steps, a grand view of the Sanuki Plain spreads out, and on clear days you can see Mt. Iino (called Sanuki Fuji) and the Seto Inland Sea. In the gate town stands the Kanamaru-za, Japan's oldest surviving playhouse, where Konpira Kabuki is performed in spring.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Kotohira-gu can be visited year-round, and it is especially beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage, so you can enjoy the seasonal colors while climbing the steps. In spring the Konpira Grand Kabuki is held at the Kanamaru-za, drawing large audiences. Savoring local wagashi sweets or authentic Sanuki udon at the teahouses along the approach is another pleasure of the visit.

Getting There & Basic Information

From Kotohira Station on the JR Dosan Line or Kotoden Kotohira Station on the Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railway, the entrance to the approach is a short walk. From central Takamatsu it is about one hour by car, and highway buses are also available. Because you climb a long stairway, comfortable shoes are recommended, and there are teahouses for rest along the way. If you are unsure of your stamina, take breaks along the climb and do not overexert.

Practical Travel Notes

• The stairway is long: 785 steps to the main shrine and 1,368 to the inner shrine. Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.
• Because of the many steps, some sections are difficult for strollers or wheelchairs.
• You can rest at teahouses and shops along the approach; walking sticks are sometimes available to borrow.
• Take heat precautions in summer, and watch your footing in winter when the steps can be slippery.
• Cherry blossom and autumn seasons, and the Konpira Kabuki period, are especially crowded, so allow extra time.
• The approach is lined with famous Sanuki udon shops and souvenir stores, so a food walk after your visit is enjoyable.

A Word of Advice

Kotohira-gu is famous for its long stairway. Wear comfortable shoes, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated, and climb at your own pace. The view of the Sanuki Plain from the main shrine after all 785 steps is exceptional. Combine it with the lively approach and authentic Sanuki udon for a pilgrimage experience unique to Konpira-san. (TabiTabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

Visiting hours of the main shrine, prayer and amulet reception, and the viewing of Maruyama Okyo's wall paintings in the study hall can be checked on the official Kotohiragu website. For the historic Kanamaruza (Kyu Konpira Oshibai) theater and the Konpira Kabuki, the public information of Kotohira Town and the Kagawa prefectural tourism association is helpful. The stone steps and highlights are also explained on the on-site information boards. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details on official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About two to three hours round trip to the main shrine, or roughly half a day including the inner shrine.
• What to bring: There are 785 steps to the main shrine and 1,368 to the inner shrine. Wear comfortable shoes and drink water often. Some sections are difficult with a stroller or wheelchair.
• Suggested route: Rest at udon shops and teahouses on the approach, pass through the Omon gate, reach the main shrine for views of the Sanuki Plain, continue to the inner shrine if you can, and view Kanamaruza on the way down.
• Footing: Bring heat protection in summer and take care on the slippery steps in winter.