Konpira Shrine [Kagawa]

2024年3月24日

【Konpira Shrine summary】

Konpiragu Shrine (Kotohiragu/Konpiragu Shrine) is located on Mt. Zouzu in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa Prefecture. It is also the headquarters of the 600 Konpira shrines in Japan. The deities of the main shrine are Omotonushi (the younger brother of Teru-ohmikami) and Emperor Sutoku. The deity is worshipped as the god of agriculture, fecundity, medicine, and protection of the sea. The shrine is as popular as Ise Shrine. It is one of the most popular tourist spots and power spots in Kagawa Prefecture.

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【Konpira Shrine precincts】

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The view from the shrine at the end of the 785 stone steps from the approach to the shrine is not only a panoramic view of Kotohira Town, but also a refreshing feeling of accomplishment after climbing the stone steps. There are many historic and cultural assets along the approach to the shrine. The back approach to the shrine changes with the seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall, so you will be satisfied no matter what time of year you visit. However, in summer, it may be difficult to climb the stairs as it raises your body temperature.

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【Itsukumo Shrine (Konpira Shrine rear shrine (located behind the main shrine, but dedicated to the same deity))】

At the end of 583 more steps from the main shrine of Konpira Shrine is the Itsukkama Shrine (Okusha), which is dedicated to Itsukamiko-no-mikoto, the founder of the Konpira main religion.

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I almost gave up on the way to the back shrine, but I was very happy to have accomplished the climb to the end. I am glad I stuck it out until the end. If you are a regular climber, there is no problem, but I saw a few people who failed.

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The present shrine itself is relatively new and small, having been built in 1905, but its atmosphere is certainly solemn, as if it were a Shinto shrine, and I feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for having made the climb to this point. However, it requires a great deal of physical strength to reach the top.

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【Konpira Shrine Access】

If you enter a destination such as “Konpira-gu Shrine,” you will be navigating on a road that is inaccessible to cars. Enter “JR Kotohira Station” and find a parking lot (staff will guide you there) on the way.

Manager’s Comments

After praying at the main shrine, I reassessed myself with a sense of accomplishment and a spectacular view…. I felt that the shrine is a place where people’s thoughts and feelings intersect. There are 1,368 steps, and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes round trip to the main shrine, and about 2 hours and 30 minutes to the back shrine. There are many souvenir stores and restaurants along the approach to the shrine, so I had the impression that there were many worshippers with their families and friends. However, the road to Okusha is tough, so you need to be prepared for it.

scenery

(4)

ambience

(4)

access

(3.5)

my opinion

(3.5)