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

Kotohira-gu Shrine: A Famous Sanuki Shrine with 785 Continuing Stone Steps

Kotohira-gu Shrine (Kotohira-gu) in Kotohira Town, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture, is a shrine affectionately known nationwide as "Konpira-san." Enshrining Ōmononushi no Kami and Emperor Sutoku, it has gathered faith from sailors and fishermen since ancient times as a guardian deity of maritime transportation.

785 Stone Steps

The approach stone steps number 785 to the "Main Shrine," and 1,368 to the inner shrine "Izutama Shrine." The stone steps climbed breathlessly while viewing souvenir shops and ryokan lined on both sides of the approach are the true pleasure of "Konpira pilgrimage." The "stone step palanquin" service of being carried up the approach in a palanquin has also continued since old times.

Views from the Main Shrine

After climbing all 785 steps to the Main Shrine, spectacular views overlooking the Sanuki Plain and Sanuki Fuji (Mt. Iino) spread out. On clear days, the Seto Inland Sea can also be seen.

Kotohira Gate Town

Around the approach, hot spring ryokan, souvenir shops, and restaurants line the "Kotohira Gate Town" tourist area. "Konpira Kabuki" (held in spring) is also famous, and the former Konpira Grand Theater (Kanamaru-za) is Japan's oldest existing theater.

Access

Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Kotohira Station on the JR Dosan Line and Kotoden lines to the approach. Approximately 1 hour by car from Takamatsu city, with highway buses also available.