Sanuki Udon and Kotohira-gu: Kagawas Soul Food and Sacred Site

Though Kagawa is Japans smallest prefecture, it is known nationwide for its soul food, Sanuki udon, and for art islands such as Naoshima. Above all, the firmly chewy Sanuki udon symbolizes Kagawas food culture. And Kotohira-gu, long beloved as Konpira-san, is a popular sacred site famed for its long stone stairway. In the temple town of Kotohira, you can enjoy Sanuki flavors and faith at once, a staple of a Kagawa journey.

Highlight: Konpira-san (Kotohira-gu)

If you visit Kagawa, a shrine you will want to worship at is Kotohira-gu in Kotohira Town. Long cherished as Konpira-san, a guardian deity of the sea, it has drawn faith from across the country. From the approach to the main shrine, a long stairway of 785 steps continues. Climbing step by step is hard work, but along the way are atmospheric buildings, a study hall, a treasure house, and other sights, and the view of the Sanuki Plain opens up as you ascend. Climbing farther from the main shrine to the inner shrine (Izutama Shrine) brings the total to 1,368 steps. The sense of achievement on reaching the main shrine and the fine view are exceptional.

Kotohiras Udon and the Approach

The long stone approach to Kotohira-gu is lined with souvenir shops and eateries, offering the bustle unique to a temple town. Sanuki udon shops are scattered around Kotohira, and stopping in before or after worship for a bite is the standard. The flavor born of strong chewiness and an iriko-dashi broth is exceptional, and you can enjoy styles to your taste such as kake, bukkake, and kamatama. Choosing local wagashi sweets or Konpira souvenirs is another pleasure of walking the approach. Fortifying yourself well with Sanuki udon before or after the long stairway climb is the way to spend a day here.

Nearby Sights

Near the approach stands the Kyu Konpira Ozashibai (Kanamaruza), known as one of Japans oldest surviving playhouses, where you can tour the historic wooden architecture. It is a precious spot to sense up close the construction of an Edo-period theater. Kotohira is also known as a hot-spring town, so after worship you can soak slowly and ease your travel fatigue. Udon, worship, a playhouse, and hot springs, sights gathered in a compact area, are the charm of Kotohira.

Enjoying the Seasons

Sanuki udon and Kotohira-gu can be enjoyed year-round, but the long stairway climb is best in comfortable spring and autumn. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage color the approach and precincts, easing the fatigue of the climb. In summer the climb makes you sweat, so cooler morning hours and frequent hydration are recommended. In winter the crisp air makes the view of the Sanuki Plain from the main shrine stand out all the more.

Access and Basic Information

Access is within walking distance to the Kotohira-gu approach from JR Kotohira Station on the Dosan Line or Kotoden Kotohira Station. It is reachable by train from the Takamatsu area and can be enjoyed as a day trip combined with udon hopping. The stairway is a long 785 steps to the main shrine, so comfortable shoes are essential. There are teahouses to rest along the way. Near the approach entrance, bamboo walking sticks are sometimes lent out, so those unsure of their legs can use one for peace of mind.

Practical Travel Notes

• Wear comfortable shoes. It is 785 steps to the main shrine, and a round trip to the inner shrine adds many more. Choose non-slip shoes like sneakers.
• Stick rental. Bamboo walking sticks can sometimes be borrowed near the approach entrance. Use one if unsure of your legs.
• Hydrate frequently. You sweat especially in summer. Bring a drink and take breaks without overdoing it.
• Eat udon in the morning. Udon shops around Kotohira also often close early or sell out. Fuel up before worship.
• Allow time. Even the round trip to the main shrine takes a while. If going to the inner shrine, allow much more.
• Worship etiquette. Kotohira-gu is a place of faith. Be quiet and considerate of other worshippers.

A Word of Advice

Kotohira is Kagawas classic area where you can enjoy Sanuki udon hopping and worship at Kotohira-gu, famed for its 785 steps, all at once. The stairway is long, so prepare comfortable shoes and water and start in the cool morning hours. Udon shops often close early too, so fuel up well before worship. Spend a day that satisfies both body and soul, one only Kagawa can offer.

📚 Sources

Visiting hours, the prayer reception desk, and treasure house information for Kotohiragu are provided on the official Kotohiragu website. For the udon shops around Kotohira and the historic Kanamaruza (Kyu Konpira Oshibai) theater, the public information of Kotohira Town and the Kagawa prefectural tourism association is helpful. The number of stone steps and highlights can also be checked 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: Allow about two to three hours for the round trip to the main shrine, or roughly half a day if you continue to the inner shrine.
• What to bring: With 785 steps to the main shrine and 1,368 to the inner shrine, wear comfortable shoes and carry water. In summer bring a hat and stay hydrated.
• Suggested route: Fuel up at an udon shop on the approach, climb the 785 steps to the main shrine, continue to the inner shrine (Izutama Shrine) if you have energy, and view Kanamaruza on the way down.
• Etiquette: This is a place of worship, so keep quiet and be considerate of other visitors.