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Kompirasan is one of Japan's most famous shrines with its history beginning around the 1st century. It is famous for the large number of steps you have to ascend in order to reach the main shrine, located on Mount Zozu. From the bottom of the hill where to the shops are, it is 785 steps to get to the main shrine. If you really want to see everything though, the total number of steps is 1,368 which will take you to the Okusha (the highest shrine building of Kompirasan). To me, it was not that difficult going to the main shrine but I really started to feel tired as I went to the Okusha! There is a nice view from the Okusha of the surrounding town but most visitors do not even attempt to go there. The entire way is very scenic and beautiful, though, with all of the nature on the mountain.
Kompirasan used to be a combined Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine but strictly became a Shinto shrine in the Meiji Period. It's sister shrine, Yugasan Rendaiji in Kurashiki's Kojima area, is still a combined Shinto-Buddhist shrine and temple.
The main shrine (Hongu) of Kompirasan is architecturally interesting and quite beautiful, but you will notice that when you look inside, it is very simple, like most Shinto shrines. There is a great view from the main shrine. The deity worshiped here is the god of seafarers and if you look in the building to the left of the main shrine, you can see donations from ships, submarines, and other travelers who have attributed their safe voyages to their prayers here (and also perhaps carried omamori that they purchased here for protection).
Entrance is free.
Written Nov 5, 2011
Address: 892-1 Kotohira-cho
Website: http://www.konpira.or.jp/
Helpfulness
Kagawa prefecture is famous for Sanuki udon (white big noodles), and Kotohira is a place to make the udon. You can experience to make and boil of the noodles and to eat Sanuki Udon immediately after you cook it at the Nakano Udon School. When you finish the course, you are given a diploma, rolling pin (used to make noodles), and a sheet of secrets on Sanuki Udon making (off course in Japanese).
The school is open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM every day of the year. Reservations are required. The charge for admission is 1,575 yen (60-80 min).
Updated Aug 10, 2008
Website: http://www.nakanoya.net
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Kanamaruza is the oldest existing Kabuki Theater in Japan. It has been designated as a national important cultural asset. It was originally built as a lottery ticket stand as well as a theater.
Kabuki is still perform here, every April-May.
Entrance fee is 300 yen.
Written Aug 10, 2008
Website: http://www.town.kotohira.kagawa.jp/
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Kompirasan is a popular shrine in the wooded hills of Kotohira. It has 785 stone steps til the main gate, and another 1,368 stone steps climb up to the Inner Shrine.
There are a lot of souvenir shop at the left and right of the step to the main gate, so you will enjoy to climb up.
Written Aug 10, 2008
Website: http://www.town.kotohira.kagawa.jp/
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On the road from Kotohira station to Kompirasan, there is "sake" museum (japanese liquor).
It is easy to find from the symbol as in the picture.
Updated Aug 10, 2008
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On the road from Kotohira station to Kompirasan, there is "sake" museum (japanese liquor).It is easy to find from the symbol as in the picture.
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Kotohira is a small city in Kagawa Prefecture which is famous for Kompirasan, Shikoku's most popular shrine.
2
Kotohira is home to one of Kagawa Prefectures most famous sites; Kompirasan Shrine. It's well-known throughout Japan as an important Shinto shrine and perhaps equally well-known for the many steps...
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