Kotohira Shrine

Kotohira Shrine is located in the Nakatado district of western Kagawa prefecture. This shrine, also known as “Kompira Shrine”, has been loved by the locals for generations for the God of protection of maritime traffic.
The main shrine is located at the top of a long stairway of 785 steps on the slopes of the 583 meters tall Mt. Zozu,. The path from the outside of the shrine to the main gate is relatively easy. On the path that leads to the shrine, there are shops for souvenirs, specialty goods and local sweets lined up on both sides.
Once you pass the main gate and climb up 758 stone steps, you will arrive at the main shrine. Along the way, you can visit some drawing rooms, which have famous paintings on paper screens by such artists as Maruyama
Okyo and Ito Jakuchu.
After visiting the shrine, you should visit the observation deck, built north of the main shrine, to enjoy an amazing view of the Seto Inland Sea spreading out beyond the Sanuki Plains.
For those of you that have a little extra energy, we suggest that you keep climbing the mountain and visit Izutama Shrine, which is also known as the inner shrine. With that, your visit to the Kompira Shrine will be fully complete.