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Kotohiragu Shrine

Known as "Konpira-san," it is one of the most famous spiritual spots in Shikoku.

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The head shrine of Kotohira Shrine stands on Mt. Zozu. It is visited by about 4 million worshippers a year. The main deity, Oomononushinokami, has been known since before the Middle Ages as a guardian deity of maritime traffic and a deity that brings a bountiful harvest and prosperity of industry and culture.

The deity is enshrined in the main hall, built before the year 645. From the entrance to the main hall, long stone stairs stretch, 785 steps in all! Take them slowly with a wish in your heart, stopping at a spot with Kotohira Shrine’s art and cultural properties, or at cafes and the restaurant, Kamitsubaki. The popular yellow amulet is believed to bring happiness.

After a worship, stroll around the shrine town for eating and shopping at traditional and new shops. Kyuman cake, croquette, ice cream made of ingredients from nearby Sanuki Region, and other beautiful gourmet items and souvenirs, traditional and modern, are available.

Highlights

  • Climb 785 stone steps to the main hall with a wish in your heart.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Rental walking sticks available.
  • Blessings of harvest, business and safe voyage.
  • After a worship, visit the shrine town for souvenirs and gourmet joints!

Photos

  • The main hall at a plateau 251m above sea level

    The main hall at a plateau 251m above sea level

  • Many visitors rent a walking stick before the stone stairs

    Many visitors rent a walking stick before the stone stairs

  • The main hall has an observation deck with a view over Sanuki Plain and Sanuki Fuji

    The main hall has an observation deck with a view over Sanuki Plain and Sanuki Fuji

  • Sayabashi Bridge, used in rituals, is a national tangible cultural property

    Sayabashi Bridge, used in rituals, is a national tangible cultural property

Reviews

4
  • Top Reviewer

    金刀比羅宮,自古以來在日本人心目中「一生要參拜一次」的神聖之地。座落於四國香川縣琴平山半山腰的「金刀比羅宮」在過去被稱為「金毘羅大權現」。據說在江戶時代,一般人雖被禁止旅行,卻不限於參拜神佛。所以參拜神社的人們,絡繹不絕。

    這個號稱日本最難參拜的神社。因為要爬上1368階⋯
    2019年11月,我帶團來到金刀比羅宮,我告訴自己當然要挑戰最難參拜神社!(目前爬過最累人的,還是張家界的天門山天門洞999級莫屬)

    這個還有步道可走,較輕鬆一些。
    365—>785—>1368
    從表參道到御本宮,需要爬785石階,前往奧社嚴魂神社,再爬上583石階,總共有1368石階。

    這一路,我與5團員狂衝,我們勢在必行。從御本宮往奧社這段山路,越來越深入,越是寂靜。當抵達奧社。6個人包含我,大家都超級開心!還有,都這麼辛苦爬上來,一定要購買一個御守,來證明自己有爬到至高點~1368階唷!

    完成來回1368*2=2736階
    吸收了天地靈氣,無限榮耀的感覺,因為我們在有限的時間內辦到了呀!來到四國一定前往「金刀比羅宮」來一場可獲得元氣的能量之旅!

    此外,這神社參拜不易,因此也有請求他人代為參拜,或是也會有狗來代替主人去參拜。狗身上掛有參拜袋,裡面裝著主人名字的木牌、香油錢、旅程上食物費。一個又一個旅人會照顧著狗,帶領至目的地,久而久之就稱牠們為「金毘羅狗」。

    「金毘羅狗」的銅像即是紀念這些狗。在本宮旁的神札授與所還有「金毘羅狗開運籤」(こんぴら狗の開運みくじ),來到金刀比羅宮別忘了抽張籤,開個運唷!

    【本宮路線】
    門前町→ 一之坂(113級) → 金刀比羅宮「大門」(365級)→ 金比羅狗銅像(431級) → 餐廳「神椿」(500級)→ 賢木門(642級) → 事知神社(739級) → 本宮(785級)

    【奧社路線】
    本宮(785級)→ 真井橋(809級)→ 常磐神社(832級)→ 白峰神社(923級)→ 手水舎(1,261級)→ 嚴魂神社・奧社(1,368級)

  • Jessie Cheng

    先挑戰第一個785階樓梯,覺得體力還行在往1368階走,來回大概兩個小時,隔天會感到腿部肌肉酸痛。

  • 洪文祥

    去參觀完之後回來膝蓋痛了好幾天!

  • Jim Chen

    四國最有名的景點,1000多階樓梯每個人都爬得氣喘吁吁。

Details

Name in Japanese
金刀比羅宮
Postal Code
766-8501
Address
892-1 Kotohiracho, Nakatadogun, Kagawa
Telephone
0877-75-2121 (Kotohira Shrine office)
Closed
Open every day
Hours
6am - 6pm (Paid facilities: 9am - 4:30pm)
Admission
Free (Some facilities charge fees)
Directions
From JR Kotohira Station, walk 30 min. (to the front gate)
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)