The main attraction of Kotohira is undoubtedly the famous shrine of Konpirasan (金刀比羅宮, Kotohira-gu). The shrine is reached on foot by climbing an impressive stone staircase that winds through forests and ancient sacred buildings. The full ascent consists of 1,368 steps and takes about 90 minutes to reach the top and 60 minutes to descend.
Most visitors stop at the main shrine (Hongu), located halfway up the route, from which you can already enjoy a beautiful panoramic view over the Sanuki plain. Only the most determined continue on to the inner shrine (Okusha), surrounded by the silence of the forest, to complete the full ascent. Regardless of where you choose to stop, a visit to Konpirasan remains one of the most meaningful spiritual and cultural experiences in all of Shikoku.
The visit to Konpirasan begins along a picturesque pedestrian street lined with souvenir shops, local sweets, and restaurants. Here, you can also purchase a pilgrim’s walking stick before starting the climb.
The full ascent to the Hongu takes about 40–50 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route includes around 785 steps up to the main shrine (Hongu), located halfway up Mount Zōzu. The climb is physically demanding but scenic, with many interesting stops along the way. You will encounter small secondary shrines, votive statues, panoramic views over the town of Kotohira, and the impressive Ōmon-torii, the large stone gate marking the entrance to the sacred area.
Within the sacred area of Konpirasan, there are also two small paid museums (800¥). The first is the Treasure House (Homotsukan), which displays the shrine’s main treasures, including Buddhist statues, folding screens, swords, and votive objects donated over the centuries by samurai and devotees. Nearby is the Takahashi Yūichi Museum, dedicated to the famous 19th-century painter considered one of the pioneers of oil painting in Japan. Both museums are small but well curated and can be visited in less than half an hour.
For those who do not want to tackle the long climb, it is possible to be carried in a traditional palanquin (kago), borne on the shoulders of two men. The service costs around 5,000–6,000¥ and takes you up to the main shrine (but no further). It is more of a curious and photogenic experience than a practical one, nowadays used mostly by elderly visitors, but also by tourists looking for a unique photo opportunity.
gli edifici del santuario principale a metà percorso
Those who wish to continue beyond the main shrine can climb up to the inner shrine (Okusha or Inner Shrine), located higher up the mountain. From here, there are still about 583 steps remaining, for a total of 1,368 steps from the starting point. The path to the Okusha passes through dense forest and offers a more solemn and शांत atmosphere, far from the main flow of visitors.
At the end, you will find a small shrine surrounded by nature, often wrapped in mist on humid days. The structure itself is quite simple and lacks the architectural elegance of the Hongu buildings. Walking this second part of the route is therefore recommended mainly for those who enjoy hiking in nature. The final shrine represents more of a symbolic destination than a visually impressive one.
the furthest shrine at the end of the path
Although Konpirasan is the main attraction of Kotohira, it is worth spending a bit more time here to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this small town crossed by a peaceful river. Along the shopping street leading to the shrine, you will find souvenir shops, udon restaurants, and small pastry shops. In the surrounding area, there are also several hot springs, accessible in some ryokan and hotels, as well as a free footbath where you can relax after the climb. Walking through the town, you will also come across some well-preserved historic buildings, adding to the old-world charm of Kotohira and making it a pleasant stop to slow down and experience a more authentic side of Shikoku.
The local specialty in Kotohira is undoubtedly Sanuki udon, the famous type of udon originating from Kagawa Prefecture. Along the main street leading to Konpirasan, you will find many small restaurants and stalls serving freshly handmade udon. Sanuki udon is often served cold (zaru udon), especially in summer, or in hot broth with tempura.
A local curiosity is kamiyo ame, hard candies flavored with yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit), said to have been sold exclusively at this temple for over 700 years. Along the road to the shrine, you will also find several pastry shops offering traditional Japanese sweets such as manju (cakes filled with red bean paste or chestnut) and mochi (soft rice cakes made from glutinous rice).
Along the first part of the staircase leading to the main complex of Konpirasan, you will continue to find small shops selling snacks and drinks, up to just before the large gate marking the entrance to the sacred area. From that point on, it is no longer possible to buy food or water, with one exception: the Kamitsubaki Café, an elegant panoramic café within the sacred area. Here you can relax with a hot tea while enjoying the surrounding nature from the terrace, or try one of the seasonal parfaits and ice creams on the menu.
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From the city of Takamatsu, the most convenient way to reach Konpirasan is by train. You can take the Kotoden train to Kotohira Station (about 1 hour), or the JR Dosan Line (30–40 minutes). The main tourist street leading to the shrine is located about 5–10 minutes on foot from both railway stations.
