2025 Nakatado District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

During the Edo period, commoners were not allowed to travel freely, except for pilgrimages to Kotohira Shrine. Visiting Kotohira Shrine became an important annual trip for many. But what if someone couldn't make the journey? People came up with the idea of tying offerings and food money to dogs, allowing pilgrims to bring these dogs along to the shrine. This is how the tradition of Konpira Dogs originated. Due to this unique history, the shrine's fortune slips are creatively designed with Konpira Dogs. Kotohira Shrine is located in Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture, and is dedicated to Ōmononushi-no-Kami and Emperor Sutoku. Locals affectionately refer to it as "Konpira-san." Ōmononushi-no-Kami, known in Japanese mythology as the deity of Mount Miwa, embodies the divine aspects of serpents, water, and thunder. At Kotohira Shrine, Ōmononushi-no-Kami is worshipped as a sea deity. Fans of the Japanese drama "The All-Round Appraiser Q" might recognize this deity from the series. During the Heian period, the belief that Japan's myriad gods were manifestations of Buddhist deities led to the fusion of Buddhism and Shinto at Kotohira Shrine, renaming it "Konpira Daigongen." However, after the Meiji-era decree separating Shinto and Buddhism, the Buddhist guardians Fudō Myōō and Bishamonten were relocated to Saidaiji Temple in Okayama. The shrine briefly reverted to "Kotohira Shrine" but was later renamed "Konpira-san" due to its deep-rooted popularity among locals. The large golden lantern at the shrine, featuring the character "金" (gold), was designed during the Edo period. Back then, it was also crafted into fans, which became popular souvenirs for visitors. Visiting Kotohira Shrine is a true test of endurance. To reach the main shrine, you must climb 785 steps along winding mountain paths. To reach the inner shrine, you'll need to tackle over 1,300 steps. Including the descent, visitors easily surpass 2,000 steps in total. 📍Address: 〒766-8501 Kagawa Prefecture, Nakatado District, Kotohira Town, 892-1 🚗 Access: From JR Kotohira Station or Kotoden Kotohira Station, it's a 15-minute walk to the entrance. The climb to the inner shrine involves 1,368 steps.

Actually, I came here by accident. When I saw the sign at the door saying free admission, I was sucked into the museum as if by magic. 400 years ago, Kotohira Town in Kagawa actually had several sake breweries because of the good water. The Jinling brand was really developed in 1789. At that time, a scholar compared Kotohira to Nanjing, China, and therefore the Jinling brand was born. After two hundred years, sake still supports the development here, because at the foot of Kotohira Shrine, this sake brewery also produces sacred sake for worship. Entering the museum, huge sake bottles flow out of an endless stream of liquid, and the bold decorations are just appetizers. Entering the history hall, the account books of the sake brewery two hundred years ago are displayed, and the model dolls restore the entire process of making sake. The cultural hall collects hundreds of years of aged wine pots and wine glasses, as well as signs and wine labels that accompany Japanese history, and introduces the changes and periods of different forms of cedar jade that are common in sake breweries. After visiting the museum, you can also go to the store to buy local sake. There is also a drink service. For 500 yen, you can choose three kinds of sake to drink. The sake lees are used to make ice cream and pickles. The products of the sake production process are not wasted at all. You can also order sake cocktails at the bar. The century-old traditional sake is moving towards a more modern change. 📍Address: 〒766-0001 623 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 🚗JR Kotohira Station Kotoden Kotohira Station is a ten-minute walk away #5月好去地方2025

Kotori Coworking & Hostel in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa Prefecture, is the ideal place to stay and work at the same time. Equipped with a shared kitchen, coworking space, and even free laundry, it's perfect for long-term stays and workcations. Konpira-san, or Kotohira Shrine, is within walking distance, and a spectacular view and a sense of accomplishment awaits you after climbing the 785 stone steps. The approach to the shrine is lined with souvenir shops and cafes, so it's also great for a leisurely stroll. After worshiping, enjoy some authentic Sanuki udon! The chewy noodles and the delicious flavor of the broth will seep into your body... Kotohira is a travel destination where you can both "work" and "relax." #Domestic Travel Guide Kotohira Kagawa Workcation

📌 🇯🇵 Japan / Kagawa . ⁡ Trip to Kagawa🫒✨ ⁡ Trip to Kagawa for 2 nights and 3 days in Kagawa🫒 ⁡ Stayed at Koroken✨✨ A renovated old house near Tadotsu Port🏠 Apparently it was a traditional Japanese restaurant before the war🍴 The owner, who is participating in the town revitalization project with the desire to "preserve the beauty of Japan and protect the historic Tadotsu townhouses," had a wonderful story to tell😌✨ And we all drank, ate and stayed together like we were on a training camp, and I only remember it being really fun🥹 This is a recommended inn for group trips✨✨ #Kagawa #Shikoku #trip accommodation report

☑︎ Art Cafe Shimizu Onsen 📍1-7-8 Hondori, Tado-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Business hours: 11:00-18:00 Last order: 17:00 Closed: Wednesday Reservations: Accepted Instagram: simizuonsen Today I'd like to introduce a cafe that is so wonderful I highly recommend it☕︎ A cafe renovated from a public bath Aside from the cafe, there is also accommodation available🌙 ˊ˗ I went without making a reservation, but there were several groups waiting, so it might be a good idea to make a reservation And there are private rooms in the back? There are places like that, and the next time I go with my son, I want to make a reservation for the next one 𓏋💕 The staff at the cafe were busy and seemed to have a hard time, but they were friendly and had a good atmosphere 𓇬 The design mixed the old and the modern, and it was a fresh and lovely space, and it was a cafe that made me want to come back ♨︎ Konpira Shrine is about a 30-minute drive away, so it would be a good idea to go there on a day when you're together 👟 ⸒⸒