Kotohiragu (Konpira-san)
The arduous 1,368-step pilgrimage to the revered guardian of seafarers.
Known affectionately as Konpira-san, this shrine on Mt. Zozu in Kagawa is famous for its incredibly scenic location, where a tunnel of red gates snakes down a green cliff face to the Sea of Japan.
History of the Shrine
Kotohiragu has been a center of syncretic Shinto-Buddhist worship for over a millennium, revered as a powerful guardian of the sea. During the Edo period, a pilgrimage to Konpira-san became an immensely popular goal for commoners, second only to the pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine. It was considered a once-in-a-lifetime journey. The long and difficult climb of 785 steps to the main hall, and a total of 1,368 steps to the inner shrine, was seen as an act of profound devotion.
For those who were too old, sick, or poor to make the journey themselves, a unique custom arose: the 'Konpira Inu' (Konpira Dog). People would entrust their prayers and donations to a dog, which would travel with other pilgrims to the shrine on its owner's behalf. These dogs became a famous and beloved symbol of the shrine, representing devotion by proxy and the strong desire of people from all over Japan to connect with the shrine's powerful kami.
The Enshrined Kami
What to See
The main attraction is the journey itself—the long climb up the stone staircase. The path is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and historical stone markers. The 'O-mon' (Main Gate) at the 365th step marks the official entrance to the sacred precincts. The 'Asahi-sha' (Hall of the Rising Sun), at the 628th step, is a particularly beautiful building, lavishly decorated with intricate carvings.
The Main Hall ('Hongu') at the 785th step offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains. From here, only the most dedicated continue the further 583 steps to the Inner Shrine ('Okusha'). The shrine also has a notable art museum, displaying works by famous artists like Maruyama Okyo and Takahashi Yuichi.
Major Festivals
The 'Reitaisai' (Annual Grand Festival) from October 9th to 11th is the shrine's most important event, featuring a grand procession where the shrine's 'mikoshi' is carried down and then back up the long stone staircase, a truly strenuous undertaking. Various traditional performances are held on the shrine grounds. The New Year's period is also extremely busy, with thousands of people making the long climb for their first prayers of the year ('hatsumode').
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