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Kotohira-gu

(Source : 金刀比羅宮)
Situated on the middle of the 521 m high Mt. Zozu, it is a shrine that enshrines a protector god of the sea. It has been admired as "Kompirasan" from ancient times. Each year, many visitors still visit here today. It is also known as having many stairs before reaching the shrine. There are 785 steps to reach the Hongu (main shrine) and 1358 steps to reach the Okusha (inner shrine). You will see several shrines spreading in the large territory. There are also Sho-in and Homotsu-kan, in which cultural properties and artworks are displayed. In addition, there are many souvenir shops and restaurants on the long road that leads to the shrine. Therefore, you will also enjoy the long walk before reaching the shrine.

(Source: 金刀比羅宮)

Very long stone staircase that leads to the shrine

Kompirasan shrine is known for its very long stone staircase that leads to the shrine. Although there are 785 steps, only to reach the Hongu (main shrine), you will be entertained by many souvenir shops and restaurants serving the specialty of Kagawa, udon, on this road. You will also see tori (gates), an otori (big gate) and Tomyo-do, which is a lantern chosen as an important cultural property. You will reach the top in no time, while looking at all those monuments.

(Source: Sonho☆)

"Hongu" dedicated to the protector god of sea

After climbing 785 steps, you will see "Hongu" which is the main shrine. It enshrines the god called "Omono-nushi," who ensures safety of sea travel, agriculture, and medicine. It is also a place where Emperor Sutoku is enshrined. It has been admired from a long time ago. On the side of the shrine, there is a spot where you can overlook the Sanuki-heiya flatland and Seto-Ohashi bridge.

(Source: 金刀比羅宮)

(Source: pixta)

Asahi no yashiro, an important cultural property

"Asahi no yashiro" shrine is situated on the way towards the Hongu. It is in fact chosen as an important cultural property, built in 1837 after 40 years of construction. Built in an elegant and meticulous style, motifs shaped as crows, animals, trees and flowers, are engraved on the back of the roof and on the pillars. You will be struck in awe of the artistic decorations of the time.

(Source: ウィッシュのなんでも探偵団 )

Five farmers

Under the signature white umbrellas, there are five small shops that sells "Kamiyo-ame" candies in this shrine. Before selling was prohibited inside the shrine territory. Those "five farmers" were only persons who had the permission to sell, because they have been serving the shrine for a long time. They are selling typical candies of Shikoku, which are made of sugar and starch syrup with a slight hint of yuzu fruit.

(Source: 袖摺りの灯篭 )

Address
892-1 Kotohira, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa
Contact No.
+81-877-75-2121
+81-877-75-2121
Access
50-min walk from JR Kotohira Station to reach the Hongu or 50-min walk from Kotoden Kotohira Station on Kotoden line.
Opening Hours / Holidays
Hongu: 6:00-18:00 Okusha: 8:00-17:00 Open all year round Opening hours and closed days varies depending on season. Please check the official website for further details.
Official Website
Time Required

(Source: 金刀比羅宮)

Very long stone staircase that leads to the shrine

Kompirasan shrine is known for its very long stone staircase that leads to the shrine. Although there are 785 steps, only to reach the Hongu (main shrine), you will be entertained by many souvenir shops and restaurants serving the specialty of Kagawa, udon, on this road. You will also see tori (gates), an otori (big gate) and Tomyo-do, which is a lantern chosen as an important cultural property. You will reach the top in no time, while looking at all those monuments.

(Source: Sonho☆)

"Hongu" dedicated to the protector god of sea

After climbing 785 steps, you will see "Hongu" which is the main shrine. It enshrines the god called "Omono-nushi," who ensures safety of sea travel, agriculture, and medicine. It is also a place where Emperor Sutoku is enshrined. It has been admired from a long time ago. On the side of the shrine, there is a spot where you can overlook the Sanuki-heiya flatland and Seto-Ohashi bridge.

(Source: 金刀比羅宮)

(Source: pixta)

Asahi no yashiro, an important cultural property

"Asahi no yashiro" shrine is situated on the way towards the Hongu. It is in fact chosen as an important cultural property, built in 1837 after 40 years of construction. Built in an elegant and meticulous style, motifs shaped as crows, animals, trees and flowers, are engraved on the back of the roof and on the pillars. You will be struck in awe of the artistic decorations of the time.

(Source: ウィッシュのなんでも探偵団 )

Five farmers

Under the signature white umbrellas, there are five small shops that sells "Kamiyo-ame" candies in this shrine. Before selling was prohibited inside the shrine territory. Those "five farmers" were only persons who had the permission to sell, because they have been serving the shrine for a long time. They are selling typical candies of Shikoku, which are made of sugar and starch syrup with a slight hint of yuzu fruit.

(Source: 袖摺りの灯篭 )