Takaya Jinja Shrine

Takaya Jinja sits at the summit of Mount Inazumi, 404 meters above the city of Kanonji in Kagawa. Through the torii gate of its main hall you can see the whole town of Kanonji and the Seto Inland Sea spread out below, a view that has earned the gate its nickname, the Sky Torii. In 2018 it was chosen as one of the eighty-eight scenic views of Shikoku (number 69), and it has since become known nationwide as a highly photogenic spot. Its enshrined deities are Ninigi no Mikoto, Konohanasakuya-hime no Mikoto, and Ame no Futodama no Mikoto. It is also called Inazumi-san after the mountain, an old shrine of long standing that has drawn local faith since ancient times.

Highlights

• The Sky Torii at the summit main hall, framing the panorama of Kanonji and the Seto Inland Sea
• The pilgrimage path that climbs from the lower hall to the main hall, passing a middle hall on the mountainside and ending in a steep flight of stone steps just below the main hall
• On clear days, the sea, sky, and town blending together like a single painting
• The quiet of an ancient shrine and the clear air found only high on the mountain

Enjoying the Seasons

From spring into early summer the fresh greenery is lovely and the climb is a pleasure to walk. Autumn brings clear air, the best season to see the islands of the Seto Inland Sea in sharp detail. At dusk the torii and the sea turn golden, creating a dreamlike scene you will want to photograph. Winter is quiet, with few visitors and crisp air for a peaceful visit.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Takaya-cho, Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture
• You can reach the main hall on foot from the lower hall, or use the road that runs near the summit
• The road toward the summit is narrow with sections where passing oncoming cars is difficult. During busy seasons, on weekends and holidays, traffic restrictions and a shared taxi or shuttle bus may operate, so always check the latest operation and restriction status with Kanonji City tourism information before your visit
• The summit can be windy, so it is wise to bring an extra layer

Practical Travel Notes

• The periods and hours when you can drive near the summit, and the periods when traffic restrictions apply, vary with conditions. Weekends, holidays, and long holidays are especially likely to bring crowds and restrictions, so checking in advance is essential
• If you climb on foot from the lower hall, the steep steps just below the main hall demand a fair amount of stamina. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water
• If you are after the dusk or night view, the descent route turns dark. Do not forget a light (a smartphone works) and plan your descent for while it is still bright
• Because the Sky Torii is popular, taking turns when photographing keeps the experience pleasant for everyone
• Kanonji has many other sights, such as the Zenigata sand coin geoglyph, and combining them makes for a full day

A Quick Tip

Aim for a clear day. The view on a sunny day is exceptional, but weather at the summit can change suddenly. Access conditions, including restrictions and shuttle operation, change by season, so always confirm the latest information, then set out in comfortable shoes with plenty of time to spare.

📚 Sources

The ascent to Takaya Shrine (the sky torii) and traffic restrictions or shuttle-bus operations on the road that reaches near the summit can and should be checked in Kanonji City tourism information. Its selection among the Shikoku Hachijukkei scenic views and its enshrined deities are also introduced on the on-site information boards. Restrictions are often in place during leisure seasons, so checking in advance is essential. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details on official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About 30 minutes to an hour for worship at the main shrine and the views; climbing on foot from the lower shrine adds more time for the round trip.
• What to bring: There are steep steps just below the main shrine, so climbing on foot requires stamina. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and bring a jacket as the summit can be windy.
• Suggested route: After checking traffic restrictions and shuttle status, head to the main shrine and enjoy the panorama of the Kanonji townscape and Seto Inland Sea through the sky torii. If you aim for dusk or night views, bring a light and plan to descend before dark, as the route gets dark.
• Combine nearby: Pair it with the Zenigata Sunae sand painting in Kanonji for a full day.