Kotohira

Kotohira (琴平) is a historic town in western Kagawa Prefecture, famous as the home of Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san), one of Japan's most revered Shinto shrines. Pilgrims have climbed the 1,368 stone steps to the shrine for centuries. The town is also the gateway to the Shikoku Pilgrimage's Temple 88 (Okubo-ji) and sits near the base of Mount Zozu. Its mix of pilgrimage history, well-preserved Edo-period architecture, and excellent udon makes it a must-visit in Kagawa. Spring and autumn are best; summer can be oppressively hot on the steps.

By Plane

Takamatsu Airport (TAK) is about 40 minutes by car or taxi. Limousine buses connect to JR Kotohira Station.

By Train

Kotohira is on the JR Dosan Line and the Kotoden (private) line. Express trains from Takamatsu reach Kotohira in about 1 hour (¥1,140 local, ¥2,520 limited express). From Okayama, change at Tadotsu.

By Car / Road

From Takamatsu, take Route 32 south about 40 minutes. Parking is available near the shrine entrance and the station.

The town is compact and very walkable. The approach to the shrine (the "shopping street") starts from the station area and leads all the way up the steps. A shuttle bus runs partway up for those who prefer not to climb the full 1,368 steps.

• Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san) — The main shrine complex at the top of 1,368 stone steps. The inner sanctuary offers sweeping views over the Seto Inland Sea. Free to enter the grounds; the inner shrine costs ¥800.

• Okubo-ji (Temple 88) — The final temple on the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage circuit, on the slopes of Mount Zozu.

• Shiwaku Ningyo Museum — Doll museum near the shrine approach.

• Kanamaru-za — A beautifully preserved kabuki theater from the Edo period, still in use. ¥500.

• Climb the 1,368 steps — The main activity. Allow 2–3 hours round trip with stops.

• Shikoku Pilgrimage stamp gathering — The final temple's stamp (nokyo) is the climax of the circuit.

• Kabuki at Kanamaru-za — Check for performance schedules.

Kotohira is udon country. Try the sanuki udon at one of the many shops along the approach. The town also has a thriving confectionery tradition — try the kompei-to (rock sugar candy). Restaurants along the approach serve set meals for ¥1,000–2,000.

Kotohira is known for its sake; it has several small breweries producing rice wine that was traditionally offered to the shrine. Try a glass at a local izakaya. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Guesthouses and business hotels, ¥4,000–7,000.
• Mid-range: Ryokan near the shrine area, ¥10,000–16,000 per person with meals.
• Upscale: Kotohira has several well-regarded traditional inns offering kaiseki dinners.

The shopping street (Sakura-machi) leading to the shrine sells omamori (charms), local sweets, Kotohira-yaki pottery, and Sanuki udon kits.

• Marugame — 20 minutes north by train, with its original castle.
• Takamatsu — 1 hour by train, with Ritsurin Garden and the art islands.
• Miyoshi / Iya Valley — South into Tokushima, with gorges and vine bridges.
• Zentsuji — 15 minutes away, birthplace of Kobo Daishi and a major Shikoku Pilgrimage temple.