Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san)
金刀比羅宮
Known as Konpira-san, this Kotohira shrine honours a guardian of the sea; climbing its 785 stone steps to the main hall is the experience itself.
The Konpira pilgrimage that Edo-period people dreamed of
Kotohira-gu Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture, affectionately known as "Konpira-san of Sanuki". It enshrines the deity Omononushi-no-Kami and Emperor Sutoku, and has long been worshipped as a guardian of the sea and as a god of farming, industry and medicine.
In the Edo period the "Konpira pilgrimage" was hugely popular. Sometimes a dog was sent to worship on behalf of an owner who could not make the journey, and people along the way are said to have fed it and pointed it in the right direction until it arrived. These "Konpira dogs" (Konpira-inu) are still a motif for charms and figurines today, and on either side of the torii (shrine gate) at Ichi-no-saka stand dog statues donated in 1844.
785 steps to the main hall
From the start of the approach to the main hall (Gohongu) there are 785 stone steps, taking about 30 minutes one way. Beyond the Omon gate partway up is the shin'iki, the sacred realm of the gods. Near the Omon, members of the Gonin Byakusho ("five farmers"), families who have had special permission since the Edo period to trade within the shrine grounds, still sell sweets.
Along the steps you pass the Omote Shoin, which has sliding-door paintings by Maruyama Okyo, and the Asahi-sha, decorated with Edo-period carvings and metal fittings. Climb the last steep flight, the Gozen Yondanzaka, and you reach the main hall at 251m above sea level.
On up to the inner shrine
Climb another 583 steps beyond the main hall, 1,368 in all, and you reach the inner shrine (okusha), Izutama Jinja. On the rock face to the left as you face the shrine building hang carvings of a tengu and a karasu-tengu (long-nosed and crow-beaked goblin spirits of Japanese folklore).
If you plan to go all the way to the inner shrine and back, allow plenty of time and energy on top of the climb to the main hall.
Getting there
It is about 20 minutes' walk from Kotohira Station on the JR Dosan Line, or about 15 minutes from Kotoden-Kotohira Station on the Kotoden (Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad).
The shrine has no car park of its own, so if you drive, use one of the town's car parks.
Tips
- The flight of steps is long, and some parts, such as the Gozen Yondanzaka, are quite steep. Wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
- The Asahi-sha (an Important Cultural Property) is undergoing major repair work. It may look different while work is going on, so check the notices on the official website.
- At the amulet office you can get the yellow "Happiness Yellow Charm" and charms inspired by the Konpira dogs.
Sources
Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
