The charm of Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture: Konpira Shrine and its historic streets! 5 recommended tourist spots

Kotohira Town in Kagawa Prefecture, where many traditional buildings remain, is a charming old town with numerous tourist attractions that draw many visitors throughout the year. While it’s known as a famous place for udon even within Kagawa Prefecture, there’s so much more than just udon! Here, we’ve carefully selected some of Kotohira Town’s most attractive sightseeing spots, loved by both locals and tourists.

1. Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san)

Kotohira-gu Shrine, affectionately known as "Konpira-san," is said to be the setting for the scene in Studio Ghibli's Whisper of the Heart, where Shizuku Tsukishima is confessed to by Sugimura.

The main shrine (Hongu), where the enshrined deity resides, is located after climbing 786 stone steps from the entrance of the approach. If you continue further, you’ll reach the inner shrine (Okusha) at the 1,368th step. It requires considerable stamina, but the sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking view at the top are well worth it!

By the way, the gate at the 368th step is called the "Omon (Great Gate)." Some visitors mistake this for the main shrine, but it’s only about halfway, so think of it as the real challenge starting from there. You can borrow a bamboo walking stick from nearby shops and keep climbing!

Along the way, you’ll encounter many sights like the "Gonin Hyakusho," five traditional candy vendors, the "Konpira Inu" bronze statue of a dog, and the "Shinme," two sacred horses believed to carry the gods. There’s also the "Asahi-sha," which visitors pray at on the way back. One of Kotohira-gu’s charms is enjoying these various spots and atmospheres along the way.

Kotohira-gu Shrine is always a popular tourist destination and can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays. Visiting on a weekday when it’s less busy is highly recommended so you can take your time and enjoy it at your own pace.

2. Konpira Omotesando Street

This is a must-visit spot when you’re in Kotohira Town, as it’s lined with plenty of souvenir shops!

Starting from Ichinohashi Bridge over the Kanakura River and heading toward Mt. Kotohira, you’ll enter Omotesando Street. Of the six areas that make up the Konpira Sando (Stone Steps Street, Omotesando Street, Shinmei Street, Shinmei North, South Area, and North Area), Omotesando is known for its gourmet options. The street is lined with old-style buildings, including many delicious udon noodle shops, famous soft serve ice cream stands, and local sake vendors—something for everyone, young and old.

Among the many udon shops, one that really stands out is the "Konpira Udon Main Store." Why not eat some hearty udon before your visit to Kotohira-gu Shrine to boost your energy for the climb?

3. Kinryo-no-Sato

Sake brewing in Kotohira Town is said to have continued since the Edo period. Kinryo-no-Sato is a free-entry museum where you can learn about the traditional sake brewing techniques, as well as the history and culture surrounding Japanese sake. You can even sample their famous Kinryo sake!

Since it’s located near the entrance to Kotohira-gu Shrine, it’s a great place to stop by either before or after your visit to the shrine. They also have a wide selection of local sake for sale, making it a perfect spot to pick up a souvenir. One of the most popular items is their Yuzu Sake, made with juice from domestically grown yuzu citrus. It’s easy to drink and even tastier when served chilled!

4. Nakano Udon School (Kotohira Campus)

Kagawa Prefecture is often nicknamed “Udon Prefecture,” and while eating delicious udon at a shop is the norm, why not try making it yourself? At Nakano Udon School (Kotohira Campus), you can join a hands-on workshop to make udon noodles!

Since it’s called a "school," the udon-making experience is treated more like a "lesson" rather than just an "activity." But don’t worry—the instructors are kind and guide you through each step, so even beginners can enjoy it with confidence. One unique feature here is making the dough by stepping on it to the rhythm of music—a fun and popular part of the experience!

The whole process takes about an hour, and you can also order side dishes like chirashi sushi, tempura, rice balls, or bento boxes if you want a complete meal. From the instructors’ explanations, the hands-on experience, to tasting your handmade udon with soup, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time.

It’s only a 1-minute walk from Kotohira-gu Shrine, and lessons are available from 9 AM to 3 PM. Advance reservations are required, so don’t forget to book!

5. Marine Science Museum / Kotohira Marine Museum

This indoor attraction is great because you can enjoy it regardless of the weather! The museum features various exhibits and information about ships and the ocean. Inside, there are five themed floors, making it an ideal place for kids and anyone interested in ships and marine life.

Among the many ship models, the life-sized Konpira Ship stands out. This passenger ship was used during the Edo period to carry pilgrims traveling to Kotohira-gu Shrine. It ran between Osaka and the areas of Marugame or Tadotsu, and back then, the journey typically took about 3 to 5 days.

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture

Centered around Kotohira-gu Shrine, which symbolizes Kotohira Town, the area is full of attractive tourist spots. Every year, events like the "Kotohira-gu Annual Grand Festival" and the "Konpira Stone Steps Marathon," where participants climb the shrine's long stone steps, attract many tourists. It takes less than an hour by train from Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture. Kotohira is famous as one of Kagawa’s top tourist destinations, and of course, you can also enjoy its famous udon!