Kotohiragu: The 785 Steps of Shikoku's Konpira Shrine

A long staircase, a sailors' deity and a hillside town in Kagawa that rewards anyone willing to climb at an easy pace.

Published October 18, 2026 at 8:35 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Kotohira-gu, usually called Konpira-san, is a shrine on the slope of Mount Zozu in Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku. Reaching the main hall means climbing about 785 stone steps, and about 1,368 to the inner shrine. Allow roughly two to three hours, wear sturdy shoes, and plan a bowl of Sanuki udon in town afterward.

What Kotohira-gu is and who it honors

Kotohira-gu sits partway up Mount Zozu in the town of Kotohira, in Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Locals and travelers alike call it Konpira-san, a friendly name that reflects how widely loved the shrine has been for centuries. The main deity is commonly given as Omononushi, and the shrine has long been associated with safe voyages, which is why sailors, fishing communities and shipping companies have traditionally made offerings here.

That maritime link explains many details you will notice on the way up. Votive items connected to the sea, ship models and offerings from seafaring families appear in various corners of the grounds. The shrine also draws people who simply hope for good fortune in business and daily life, so the atmosphere is cheerful and busy rather than hushed, especially on weekends and holidays.

The famous staircase, step by step

The headline number is 785 stone steps from the base of the approach to the main hall, the Hongu. Many of the first few hundred steps are lined with small shops selling souvenirs, snacks and walking sticks, so the climb feels more like a market street than a lonely trail. Shops thin out as the steps become more shaded and the cedar trees grow taller around you. The main hall is a natural place to turn back, and plenty of visitors do.

Those who continue to the inner shrine, the Okusha, face a total of about 1,368 steps from the bottom. That extra stretch is quieter and more forested, and the reward is a sense of having walked all the way into the mountain. Take the staircase at a steady pace, pause at the landings, and remember that the climb back down is as much a workout for the knees as the climb up.

History in brief: Konpira pilgrimage

During the Edo period, travel for pleasure was restricted, but religious pilgrimage was widely accepted. Konpira-san became a major destination, and a pilgrimage known as Konpira mairi grew popular with people from across the country. Some pilgrims were so keen that, according to traditional accounts, dogs were sent on their own with a travel pouch and a tag asking passers-by to help them along the way.

That Edo-period fame left a physical mark on Kotohira. Stone lanterns, wooden buildings and a pilgrimage street layout remain in the town. Kotohira is also home to the Kanamaruza, a theater built in the early nineteenth century that is often described as one of the oldest surviving kabuki theaters in Japan. Check the official town or theater page for tours and performance schedules, since these change by season.

Getting to Kotohira and planning the day

Kotohira is reached by train on the JR Dosan Line, with Kotohira Station a short walk from the start of the approach. From Okayama on Honshu, trains cross the Seto Ohashi Bridge toward Shikoku and connect onward to Kotohira, usually with a change along the way. From Takamatsu, a regional train line also runs to Kotohira. The Kotoden private railway offers an alternative from central Takamatsu to Kotohira Station.

Because timetables and transfer patterns shift, look up current services shortly before you travel. Plan the climb for the morning if you can, since the steps are less crowded and the light is pleasant. Leave large bags in a station locker, as carrying luggage up hundreds of steps is not much fun. A small bottle of water and a light layer are enough for most people.

What to see along the climb

Beyond the main hall, several features reward a slower look. Along the approach you will pass old stone lanterns, shrine gates and a covered gate with shops tucked beneath its roof. Near the upper part of the climb, a viewing terrace looks out over the Sanuki Plain, where small hills rise out of the flatland like green islands. On clear days the view stretches a long way.

Near the main hall there is also a sacred horse stable, and a white horse is sometimes kept for ritual use; whether you can see one depends on the day. Down below, the Kanamaruza and the approach streets are worth browsing separately. Combining the shrine with a stroll through town makes for a relaxed half day or a fuller full day.

Eating nearby: Sanuki udon and local sweets

Kagawa Prefecture is closely tied to Sanuki udon, thick wheat noodles with a firm bite, and Kotohira has plenty of places that serve them. A simple bowl with a light broth or a cold serving with a dipping sauce is the classic order. Many shops make the noodles on site, and a few will let visitors try noodle-making as an activity; ask locally or check the town tourism page for options.

Along the stairs you will also see stalls selling snacks and sweets that suit a climb: rice crackers, candies and traditional confectionery. Save a proper meal for after the climb, when a hot bowl of udon feels very well earned.

Etiquette, seasons and common mistakes

At the shrine, follow ordinary Shinto manners. Bow lightly at the gate, keep to the side of the path, and be quiet near the halls. When making an offering, toss a coin gently, bow twice, clap twice and bow once more, unless a sign near the hall suggests another sequence. Photography is fine in most outdoor areas, but follow any posted restrictions.

Spring brings cherry blossoms to the town, and early summer is green and shaded. Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and leaf color, while winter can be cold and occasionally frosty on the steps. The most common mistakes are wearing slippery shoes, arriving too late in the afternoon, and underestimating the downhill leg. Plan for sturdy footwear, daylight and a relaxed pace, and the staircase becomes a highlight rather than a hurdle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many steps are there at Kotohira-gu?

About 785 steps lead from the bottom of the approach to the main hall, and the full climb to the inner shrine, the Okusha, is commonly given as about 1,368 steps. The first stretch is lined with shops, so it feels lively rather than punishing, and most visitors stop at the main hall.

How long does it take to climb to the main hall?

Most people need roughly 30 to 60 minutes to reach the main hall at a comfortable pace, depending on how often they stop at shops and viewpoints. Allow more time for the inner shrine and the return trip, and plan about two to three hours for the full visit.

Is there an easier way up the steps?

Traditional palanquin-style carrying services have operated on the approach for visitors who find the stairs difficult, though availability and cost vary. Ask at the foot of the stairs or the local tourism office for current options. Taking the steps slowly with plenty of rests also works well for most walkers.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Takamatsu: Ritsurin Garden and Udon Culture, Ikaho Onsen: The Stone Steps Hot Spring Town and Mount Oyama: Kanagawa's Sacred Peak.