Takaya Shrine Main Shrine (Tenku no Torii) [Kagawa]

【summary】

Takaya Shrine (Hongu), located in Kagawa Prefecture’s Kannonji City, is known as the “torii in the sky.” From the main shrine atop Mount Inazumi, 404 meters above sea level, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea and Kannonji City. Because the main shrine is located at the top of Mt. Inazumi, it is also called “Inazumi Jinja” or “Inazumi-san,” and there are tremendous stone steps that will make your feet stagger as you pass through the torii gate. You can also come up to the shrine from Muramoto-cho, Kanonji City. Takaya Shrine is called “Shimomiya” at the foot of the mountain and “Hongu” at the top, and is one of the 24 shrines in the Engi-shiki-uchi area of Sanuki Province.

From the Shimogu to the main shrine, there are 270 steep and wide stone steps at the end, and in the middle of the steps sits a rock called Yurugiishi, which does not move when pushed with the fingers, but does not fall.

【precincts】

The shrine’s deities are Ninigi no Mikoto, Sakuya Hime, and Ukemochi no Kami, and it is believed to be blessed with the blessings of family safety, prosperous business, safe transportation, good fortune, academic success, conjugal harmony, safe childbirth, and good health.

Red seals are sold in vending machines, but they were sold out.

【scenery】

Over the torii gate of the main shrine, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Kannonji and the majestic Seto Inland Sea. The torii gate of the shrine is known as the “torii in the sky” and was selected as one of the 88 scenic views of Shikoku in 2018.

【Access】

You can drive up to the top, but the mountain road is only wide enough for one car, so I was nervous about oncoming cars. I arrived at 6:00 a.m. on a weekday morning, but there were already people there before me, so it must be a popular spot. Please note that the road is closed on weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.