Charms only experienced at the top of Kotohiragu Shrine

To climb the total of 1,368 steps, the first step, is to take the first step.

The enshrined deity Kompira has long been worshipped as a god with influence over seafaring, grain harvests, and commercial prosperity. Once you pass through the diverse range of shops lining the main approach to the shrine and pass through the main gate after climbing 365 stairs, you reach the shrine precinct. The shrine grounds retain rich tracts of untouched nature and with a large number of historic buildings and cultural assets also dotted about. From here, if you climb for a further 60 minutes or so you will reach a steep set of 133 steps called “Onmae Yodanzaka” standing in your way. Once you have made it to the top of these steps you will see in front of you the unadorned timber of the main shrine building. In addition to a considerable sense of achievement, you will feel the sacred power of the Japanese gods who are said to protect the mountains and surrounding lands. The view is also excellent and it is possible to see the Great Seto Bridge and Mount Iinoyama (one of the “Sanuki Fuji” mountains). But having reached this area you will still only be 785 steps up. If you climb further the mood begins to change as the number of tourists declines and the greenery grows denser. There seems to be a certain mysteriousness in the air. If you make it up the 583 steps beyond the main shrine (a distance of more than 1km), you will arrive at the inner shrine, the final destination. You will find yourself in a calm and sacred space and feel a certain power in the air. Enjoy spending special time in an area that only those who climb all 1,368 steps can enter. (This information is as of November 2017)

KOTOHIRAGU
Address
892-1 Kotohira-cho,Nakatado-gun,Kagawa [Map]
TEL
+81-877-75-2121
Access
About 20 minutes on foot from JR Kotohira Station, 15 minutes on foot from Kotenkotohira Station, 15 minutes by car from Zentsuji IC. From those station, About 2 hours to Oku-sha on foot(stairs).

MAP

External links

Features

The Night-time Food & Drinks Guide is a free pamphlet available in Takamatsu City with maps that features the best dining in the area. Check out the detailed information on the cafes, bars, restaurants, udon shops, and more recommended by the editors. RELATED ARTICLES
Night-time Food & Drinks Guide
The Night-time Food & Drinks Guide is a free pamphlet available in Takamatsu City with maps that features the best dining in the area. Check out the detailed information on the cafes, bars, restaurants, udon shops, and more recommended by the editors.
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WAKE
Wake-cho in southeastern Okayama Prefecture is a town with a rich natural environment nurtured by the Yoshii River. It is dotted with tourist spots that garner attention from within Japan and abroad, such as Katatetsu Roman Kaido, a popular cycling and walking road, and Fuji Park which has the largest variety of wisteria in Japan.
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TAKAMATSU
Kagawa Prefecture is known as the gateway to Shikoku. Its capital is Takamatsu City, home to a wide range of interesting sightseeing spots. With famous local dishes such as Sanuki udon and Kagawa-style chicken drumstick, and a wide range of lovingly-made traditional handcrafts that make excellent souvenirs, the city is well worth visiting.

Themes

Japan's one and only enclosed sea, the Seto Inland Sea. It contains over 700 islands, each with a culture and cuisine blessed by mountains and sea. It's so beautiful that some call it "the Aegean Sea of the East." RELATED ARTICLES
SETO INLAND SEA
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As an island nation, unique cultural forms have developed in Japan. Traditional Japanese homes, where you can experience the earth and wood beloved of old Japan, are on trend worldwide. Enjoy these somehow comforting and soothing spaces. RELATED ARTICLES
JAPANESE TRADITION
As an island nation, unique cultural forms have developed in Japan. Traditional Japanese homes, where you can experience the earth and wood beloved of old Japan, are on trend worldwide. Enjoy these somehow comforting and soothing spaces.
Western Japan has mesmerizing sights you have never glimpsed before,from the islands in the vast waters of the Seto Inland Sea to the ancient castles rising into the sky and rivers that will make you sense eternity. RELATED ARTICLES
AMAZING VIEWS
Western Japan has mesmerizing sights you have never glimpsed before,from the islands in the vast waters of the Seto Inland Sea to the ancient castles rising into the sky and rivers that will make you sense eternity.
Western Japan is dotted with spiritual “power spots”, including the Shikoku pilgrimage ("Ohenro") of 88 sacred sites, and Itsukushima Shrine, a religious center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. RELATED ARTICLES
SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS
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There is nothing better than sampling the local seasonal flavors and specialties of a region. There are so many kinds of local cuisine Western Japan. Be sure to taste the foods beloved by locals when you take a trip RELATED ARTICLES
LOCAL FLAVORS
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With its warm climate, West Japan has many fruit-producing regions, including Okayama, "the fruit kingdom," famous as the top producer of white peaches and Muscat grapes. You can savor sumptuous sweet treats using lavish portions of seasonal fruit such as parfaits and shaved ice. RELATED ARTICLES
PREMIUM FRUITS
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The exquisite beauty of the blooming cherry blossoms, and also their transient beauty as the petals fall, has been revered in the literature and aesthetic concepts of Japan since ancient times. Spring in Japan is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its hanami (flower viewing) culture, when friends and family gather under the cherry blossom trees and appreciate the beauty of the flowers while drinking and eating merrily. RELATED ARTICLES
SAKURA
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ONSEN
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MOVIES
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Destinations

A peaceful body of water surrounded by Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea is renowned for its many beautiful islands and scenic views. Known also as the Aegean of the East, it attracts countless visitors from around the world. RELATED ARTICLES
SETOUCHI
A peaceful body of water surrounded by Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea is renowned for its many beautiful islands and scenic views. Known also as the Aegean of the East, it attracts countless visitors from around the world.
Okayama, the Land of Sunshine, abounds with the blessings of lush mountains and a bountiful sea, the beauty of nature and the crossroads of prominent Japanese historic heritage. Always a key transport hub in the Setouchi region, in recent years it has also become the gateway to the art of the Seto Inland Sea. RELATED ARTICLES
OKAYAMA
Okayama, the Land of Sunshine, abounds with the blessings of lush mountains and a bountiful sea, the beauty of nature and the crossroads of prominent Japanese historic heritage. Always a key transport hub in the Setouchi region, in recent years it has also become the gateway to the art of the Seto Inland Sea.
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HIROSHIMA
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SHIMANE
Shimane Prefecture is redolent of tradition, boasting a large number of nationally-recognized historical and cultural treasures such as the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine and Matsue Castle. Its large number of hot springs means it attracts a large number of people seeking healing in body and soul. It is also popular among visitors who can enjoy the fresh seafood from its Japan Sea coast and traditional foods such as soba noodle and Japanese sweets.
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KAGAWA
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KOCHI
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EHIME
Many people flock to Ehime prefecture to soothe their mind and body with the healing waters of Japan's oldest hot springs resort Dogo Onsen, and the breathtaking Tashimabi scenery of numerous islands scattered throughout the Seto Inland Sea, as seen from the Shimanami Kaido bridge route connecting six of the larger islands. In addition to these and other attractions, Ehime is also blessed with a warm climate and locally grown citrus fruits, as well as an abundance of seafood sourced from the three coastal waters that surround it.
Tokushima prefecture magnificently captures the beautiful nature and traditional culture of Japan in its many attractions including the Kazura Bashi Vine Bridge, one of the country's three uniquely structured bridges, and the Iya Valley region with its preserved nostalgic rural scenery. A trip to Tokushima will surely be unforgettable as you marvel at the Naruto whirlpool, one of Japan's top three tidal streams, and experience the excitement of the country's hallmark Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival. RELATED ARTICLES
TOKUSHIMA
Tokushima prefecture magnificently captures the beautiful nature and traditional culture of Japan in its many attractions including the Kazura Bashi Vine Bridge, one of the country's three uniquely structured bridges, and the Iya Valley region with its preserved nostalgic rural scenery. A trip to Tokushima will surely be unforgettable as you marvel at the Naruto whirlpool, one of Japan's top three tidal streams, and experience the excitement of the country's hallmark Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival.