Kotohira-gū

Welcome to Kotohira-gu, affectionately known as 'Konpira-san,' one of Japan's most celebrated and challenging pilgrimage sites. Perched on the slopes of Mount Zozu in Kagawa Prefecture, this shrine is dedicated to…

Our journey begins at the 'Sando' or approach, where the first few hundred steps are lined with a lively marketplace. This is where you can rent a bamboo walking stick for a small fee—highly recommended for the journey ahead. …

As we continue our ascent, we come across a charming bronze statue of a dog known as the 'Konpira Inu.' This statue commemorates a unique Edo-period tradition. In those days, a pilgrimage to Shikoku was a long and difficult…

Located at the four-hundred-and-seventy-seventh step is the Shoin, the former guest house of the shrine. This building is a National Important Cultural Property and is famous for its stunning interior sliding door paintings, or…

Before we reach the main shrine, we must pass the Asahi-sha, or the 'Shrine of the Rising Sun.' This is a massive, two-story wooden structure that is so grand many visitors mistake it for the main shrine itself. It was built in…

At step seven hundred and eighty-five, we finally reach the Hongu, the Main Shrine of Kotohira-gu. The sense of achievement here is palpable as climbers catch their breath and approach the sanctuary. …

For those who choose to continue past the main shrine, the path becomes a quiet, wooded trail leading to the Okusha, or Inner Sanctuary. This final climb brings the total step count to one thousand three hundred and sixty-eight. …

As we conclude our audio guide for Kotohira-gu, take a moment to reflect on the journey you have just undertaken. Whether you reached the main shrine or pushed all the way to the inner sanctuary, you have participated in a…

Our exploration of Kotohira-gu ends here at the base of Mount Zozu. We have climbed through history, encountering the stories of faithful dogs, sacred horses, and master artists. …