https://om.trip.com/moments/detail/kotohira-60692-133995640
App
Customer Support
Find Bookings
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
1 / 10
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
【金刀比羅宮】（香川県琴平町　旧国名：讃岐）
hanakin_kozakuraJapan
levelIconBeginner traveler

[Kotohira Shrine] (Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture, former province name: Sanuki)

For the many ships sailing the Seto Inland Sea, a "signpost" was indispensable to measure the distance to land, adjust the bow, and guide the power of the oars. No matter how calm the inland sea, it is impossible not to be shaken by the hearts of the people on the ship floating and sinking on the waves, and it is not difficult to imagine how much the presence of a signpost clearly visible on land must have soothed and inspired them. And the signpost naturally attracted people's respect and hope, and before long it became a "sacred place." Among the countless "signposts = sacred places" that exist in Japan, Kotohira Shrine in particular had a great impact on the culture and development of the region. It stands on the slope of Mount Zozu, located in the western part of what is now Kagawa Prefecture, formerly known as Sanuki Province. However, looking at the topography today, it is surprising that it is so far from the shore as a signpost of the sea. This is related to the fact that the water level of the Seto Inland Sea was once higher than it is now, and the current coastal plains were mostly underwater. This makes it clear how people have looked up to this mountain since ancient times, and the bustling long temple town that continues from the foot of the mountain to the plains is a natural sight when you look back at its history. The founding of Kotohira Shrine is still unclear. It is certain that a shrine dedicated to Omononushi was built at the latest in the mid-Heian period, and it is surmised that, among the various divine powers of Omononushi, maritime safety was a strong concern due to the topography of the mountain. Meanwhile, from the Middle Ages, it was influenced by the belief in the spirit of Emperor Sutoku (1119-1164), who was defeated in the Hogen Rebellion and exiled to Sanuki Province, and the honji suijaku theory of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, and spread widely as Konpira Daigongen. The nickname "Konpira-san", which is still popular today, is a remnant of this name. Therefore, the two deities enshrined at the shrine today are Omononushi-no-Mikoto and Emperor Sutoku. During the Edo period, Kotohira Shrine and its religious culture reached their peak. In a society where travel was generally prohibited for common people, pilgrimages to Kotohira Shrine were exceptionally permitted. For this reason, common people flocked to the shrine from ports all over the western part of the country, passing through Marugame, to make "Konpira Mairi", and the area in front of the shrine became extremely lively. At the Treasure Museum of Kotohira Shrine, you can see picture scrolls depicting scenes from those times, including an image of a udon restaurant. It is said that the first restaurant specializing in udon appeared in front of Kotohiramon Gate during the Edo period, and it had a major influence on the rise of Sanuki udon, which is synonymous with Kagawa Prefecture today. In addition, there are exhibits that vividly depict the looks and breathing of ordinary people, such as the custom of the Konpira dog accompanying travelers on pilgrimages on their master's behalf. Today, Kotohira Shrine has a 785-step stone approach from the gate to the main shrine. On both sides of the steps, stone lanterns of all sizes stand in a forest following the slope, exuding a solemn mountain atmosphere. The bodies of the lanterns are generally inscribed with the names and addresses of donors, many of whom are related to fishing and shipping, giving a sense of the true value of Kotohira Shrine as a "signpost to the sea" even in modern times. Asahisha, which appears halfway up the approach to the shrine, is the largest wooden shrine or temple structure in Shikoku, and its grandeur is the most impressive in the entire Kotohira Shrine area. Although it is now revered as a shrine, it was originally connected to the Buddhist architectural style treated as a "kondo" (main hall), and this alone gives a glimpse of the unique religious culture of Kotohira Shrine. Leaving Asahisha behind, the approach suddenly enters the shade of greenery, with the trees left to grow freely in the humid air. Then, in the sudden light that shines through, even steeper stone steps stand tall, and at the end of them stands a towering torii gate. Taking one step at a time, you will soon come to an open area where you will find the main shrine. The shrine building was rebuilt in 1878, and its ancient yet elegant appearance with its cypress bark roof is an attractive feature. Looking back after worship, the Doki River stretches out in the distance, and the Sanuki plains it opened up. Paradoxically, the beautifully leveled fields, apart from the mountain range of Mount Zozu, allow one to imagine the expanse of the sea in ancient times. And the soft hint of the Seto Inland Sea hanging beyond the faint mist, brings to mind the peaceful seascape and activities of today. Recommended for solo travelers: ★★★ (There are a fair number of people, but it's a large place so it doesn't bother me) Visited: 3pm on a weekday in the third week of November Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Kotoden Kotohira Station (to the beginning of the approach) *Some of the photos in this post were borrowed from a friend #Konpiragu Shrine #Konpira-san #Kotohira #Kotohira-cho #KagawaTrip #KagawaTourism #KagawaPrefectureTourism #ShikokuTourism #KagawaTripDiary #DomesticTravelLover #WantToConnectWithDomesticTravelLover #ShrineLover #ShrineTourism #ShrineTempleLover #ShrineTempleTourism #Omononushi #StoneLantern #WoodenArchitecture #TempleArchitecture #ShintoBuddhistSynthesis #EmperorSutoku #SanukiUdon
View original text
󰴉In your selected region or language, selecting this Trip Moment's hashtags won't redirect you to the hashtag page
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Jul 19, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Kotohiragu

4.8/572 reviews | Historic buildings
Kotohira
No.6 of Best Things to Do in Kagawa Prefecture
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Kotohiragu

[Kagawa🇯🇵] A day spent around Konpira-san

Yuki_旅フォト✈︎
Kotohiragu

[Kagawa Prefecture] Checklist before visiting Konpira Shrine

ぷりんちゃん
Kotohiragu

[Power Spot] Visit Konpira Shrine at least once in your life! 1368 steps to the inner shrine! Kotohira Shrine@Kagawa

aynaa｜弾丸トラベラー
Kotohiragu

: 「港女征服金刀比羅宮！785級天梯爬上去你可以實現願望+神馬禁摸令 附商店街停車費回贈秘技🇯🇵」** ---

可能係香港最懶嘅旅行社畜
Kotohiragu

If the challenge of level 1386 fails, then ask a dog to do it for you?

璽璽不嘻嘻
Kotohiragu

A Power Spot in Shikoku, Japan: Kotohira-gu Shrine with 1,368 Stone Steps

Moutain
Kotohiragu

Kotohira-gu Shrine: A journey of spiritual enlightenment

湯馬士火車頭
Kotohiragu

Stylish cafes around Mt. Kotohira①【Café Mori to Yama】

ノコノコさん
Kotohiragu

A place that everyone says they want to go to at least once in their life

しまもん
Kotohiragu

[Kagawa Prefecture] A trip to Kotohira Shrine

manico
Kotohiragu

Stairway to Shrine Heaven at Kotohira

Nengkh9
Kotohiragu

Kotohira-cho 2 days and 1 night trip!

dohye_
Popular Trip Moments
Experience the lively atmosphere in front of the temple by "drinking"!  |  [Kotohira Shrine] (Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture, former province name: Sanuki)  |  [Kagawa Prefecture] A trip to Kotohira Shrine  |  Stairway to Shrine Heaven at Kotohira   |  Kotohira-cho 2 days and 1 night trip!  |  Escape the hustle and bustle: The ultimate relaxing choice in Takamatsu, Kagawa, Shikoku, Japan.  |  Kagawa｜Asahi Shrine: A Cultural Treasure Completed in 40 Years, Where a One-Yen Coin Can Grant Your Wish  |  Kagawa｜Challenge the Thousand Steps at Kotohira Shrine and Discover the Fascinating History of Konpira Dogs  |  Kotohiragū – Climbing to the Spirit of the Sea  |  Kagawa｜A paradise for sake lovers: Kotohira Town’s super fun sake museum  |  Special Privileges of the Five Families in Kagawa  |  A must-visit once in a lifetime! A spiritual spot awaits at the top of 1,368 steps.  |  A Hong Kong girl traveled to Takamatsu for 5 days and 4 nights, visiting three attractions in one day. Chibi Maruko went to Kindohira Shrine, Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin, and Shikoku Aquarium  |  Travel to small cities in Japan / Takamatsu -> Okayama  |  Shikoku Travel Diary  |  🇯🇵 [Kagawa Prefecture] Konpira Shrine North Garden! ^ ^ Together with Konpira-san (^^)  |  🇯🇵 [Kagawa Prefecture] JR Kotohira Station 🚉 The gateway to Konpira Shrine! ^ ^  |  [Cafe] Take a break before visiting Konpira Shrine! Kamitsubaki @ Kotoden Kotohira  |  Spring Journey to Kotohiragu Shrine  |  [Kagawa🇯🇵] Experience making udon in Udon Prefecture?!  |  [🇯🇵Kagawa・Kotohira] Enjoy authentic handmade udon noodles on the approach to Kotohira Shrine at "Konpira Udon Sando Store"  |  Mount Konpira  |  The nickname of "Konpira-san"  |  A journey to cleanse your body and soul - Challenge the most difficult shrine to visit - Kotohira-gu Shrine  |  [Kagawa🇯🇵] A day spent around Konpira-san  |  [Make udon, laugh, eat and learn! Make memories in Kagawa at Nakano Udon School]  |  Food experience after visiting Kotohira-gu Shrine 🍽️✨  |  Shikoku Cherry Blossom Tour: JR Kotohira Station Cherry Blossoms  |  [Kagawa] Konpira-san, the guardian deity of maritime safety, a major tourist destination in Shikoku
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Attractions in Bangkok  |  Popular Attractions in Manila  |  Popular Attractions in Tokyo  |  Popular Attractions in Taipei  |  Popular Attractions in Hong Kong  |  Popular Attractions in Seoul  |  Popular Attractions in Kuala Lumpur  |  Popular Attractions in Los Angeles  |  Popular Attractions in Shanghai  |  Popular Attractions in New York  |  Popular Attractions in Shenzhen  |  Popular Attractions in Osaka  |  Popular Attractions in Singapore  |  Popular Attractions in London  |  Popular Attractions in Guangzhou  |  Popular Attractions in San Francisco  |  Popular Attractions in Beijing  |  Popular Attractions in Macau  |  Popular Attractions in Bali  |  Popular Attractions in Jakarta  |  Popular Attractions in Paris  |  Popular Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City  |  Popular Attractions in Istanbul  |  Popular Attractions in Phuket  |  Popular Attractions in Chicago  |  Popular Attractions in Seattle  |  Popular Attractions in Toronto  |  Popular Attractions in Orlando  |  Popular Attractions in Cebu  |  Popular Attractions in Chiang Mai
Popular Restaurants in Kotohira
Popular Ranked Lists
Top 50 Luxury Hotels near Isparta  |  Top 10 Luxury Hotels near Noosaville  |  Top 50 Luxury Hotels near Portici  |  Popular Trending Attractions in Changzhou  |  Top 10 Trending Attractions in Jeju  |  Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur  |  Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Yangzhou  |  Top 50 Luxury Hotels near Neustift im Stubaital  |  Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Bangkok  |  Top 10 Trending Attractions in Wuhan  |  Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Langkawi  |  Top 10 Trending Attractions in Weihai  |  Popular Trending Attractions in Paris  |  Top 50 Luxury Hotels near Pontresina  |  Popular Trending Attractions in Anji  |  Top 20 Luxury Hotels near El Dorado County  |  Top 10 Luxury Hotels near Makarska  |  Popular Best Things to Do in Wuzhong  |  Top 10 Trending Attractions in Xi'an  |  Top 20 Luxury Hotels near Nagaur  |  Popular Best Things to Do in Tongliao  |  Top 20 Luxury Hotels near Radovljica  |  Top 10 Best Things to Do in Hinggan League  |  Popular Trending Attractions in Luoyang  |  Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Milan  |  Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Singapore  |  Top 50 Luxury Hotels near Costa Occidental  |  Top 50 Luxury Hotels near Sankt Johann im Pongau  |  Popular Trending Attractions in Tonglu  |  Popular Trending Attractions in Daxin

Contact Us

About

Other Services

Payment Methods
Our Partners
Copyright © 2025 Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.