Konpira Shrine Visit and Temple Town Course

This is the royal-road course that visits Kotohira-gu, beloved as the deity of the sea, and enjoys the temple town along the approach. You get the stone-step climb, local cuisine, and retro streetscapes all together.

Course Route

9:00 Start at the approach entrance Set off from the entrance of the main approach, walking past the souvenir shops that line the stone steps.

9:40 Pass through the Great Gate Clear the first tough stretch and reach the Great Gate. From here the calm atmosphere of the precinct opens up.

10:30 Pray at the main shrine Climb the full 785 steps and pay your respects at the main shrine. The lookout offers a sweeping view of the Sanuki Plain.

12:00 Udon lunch in the temple town Descend to the temple town and have lunch with the famous Sanuki udon and Japanese sweets.

14:00 Visit the old Konpira playhouse Tour Kanamaruza, one of the oldest surviving playhouses, and touch on Edo-era theater culture.

15:30 Town walk and souvenir hunting Browse the long-established shops along the approach and pick out local sake or wasanbon sugar to end the day.

Highlights

The stone steps to the main shrine number 785. The sense of accomplishment and the view at the top are the draw. The temple town is lined with old shops and retro buildings, so the stroll itself is a pleasure.

Access and Tips

The approach is about a ten-minute walk from JR Kotohira Station or Kotoden Kotohira Station. The steps are long, so light clothing and comfortable shoes are reassuring. Walking sticks can also be borrowed.

A Quick Tip

Climbing the steps in the cool of the morning is recommended. Going all the way to the inner shrine makes it 1,368 steps, so plan according to your stamina.