What other travelers are saying about Kotohiragu Shrine
"A historic power spot in Japan, located in Kagawa Prefecture, the shrine is known for its significance. Climbing the stairs can be tough, but at the top, you will find a sacred shrine that grants various blessings, and it is a mystical place where the deities beloved by the Japanese reside. I highly recommend it."
The climb to the main shrine (Hongu) requires 785 stone steps from the base. If you continue to the inner shrine (Okusha) at the summit, you'll climb an additional 583 steps, making a total of 1,368 steps. The ascent to Hongu typically takes 30 to 40 minutes for visitors with moderate fitness levels, while reaching Okusha takes over an hour.
Yes, palanquin bearers are available to carry visitors up the stairs, though this service is only offered up to the 365th step, meaning you'll still need to climb the remaining distance to reach the main shrine. This traditional service provides an alternative for elderly visitors or those with mobility limitations, though it comes at an additional cost.
The shrine grounds themselves are free to enter and you can climb the steps and visit the main shrine without paying admission. However, certain areas within the complex require separate tickets: the Shoin reception hall with its famous painted screens costs around ¥800, and the treasure house museum displaying maritime artifacts costs approximately ¥500.
From Takamatsu, the journey takes about one hour by train, while from Okayama it takes approximately two hours. You'll arrive at either Kotohira Station (JR Dosan Line) or Kotoden-Kotohira Station (Kotohira Line). From either station, it's a 10-minute walk to the base of the shrine where the stone steps begin.
🎉 Congrats! You’ve made it to the main shrine after conquering 785 stairs (around 30–45 minutes of climbing). The shrine itself is impressive, and the view from the observatory deck is absolutely worth the effort.
Here you’ll find a limited selection of omamori, but there’s something unique—a dog omamori 🐶, perfect for blessing your furry friend.
But wait… looking for the special black Tengu omamori? 👺
NOT HERE! To get that, you’ll need to push on and climb another 538 stairs (about 20–30 minutes) to reach Izutama Shrine. Good luck on the next leg of your journey! 💪⛩️
The shrine was built in Edo era, climb up 785 stone steps to the shrine. Nonstop climbing takes about at least 1 hour and 30 mins for round trip. (A little bit stop for praying)
Not recommend for small children and elderly.
Impressive shrine, I only visited the main shrine at about 700+ steps which is about half of the 1368 steps. Majority of the stairs are surrounded by trees, it gives a mystical feeling.
At the main shrine, there are Omikuji (fortune telling paper) and charms available for sale. There's also a pot where people try to make their coin float. I think it means good luck for those who manage to successfully float their coin.
I did not go to the inner shrine as there was not enough time and I was getting really hungry. Lucky for me, there's a cafe on the way down. I think the cafe is called Kamitsubaki.
On the way up at about the 100 steps range there are many shops selling snacks and souvenir. I got a Ramune that I saw in Japanese anime but I was unable to open it. A kind local helped me out and taught me the way.
At 金刀比羅宮 大門, about 300 steps in, there is an area where local people setup portable stalls to sell stuff. There was a kind lady that gave me yuzu hard candy (ame) every time I passed by😊, even though I did not buy anything.
There is an area for feeding birds, some people brought seeds and the birds seem to really like it. They will fly back and forth between the hand and the tree to eat the seeds.
Visited on 31 Mar 2025
