Kotohira, town in Nakatado district, Kagawa prefecture, Japan
Kotohira is a small town in the Nakatado district of Kagawa Prefecture, located on the island of Shikoku. It sits in a hilly area and its center is dominated by a forested hill where the famous Konpira shrine complex stands above the rooftops.
Kotohira grew as a pilgrimage town around the Konpira shrine, whose origins date back to the early medieval period. Over the following centuries, the steady flow of pilgrims brought merchants and inns to the area, shaping the layout of the town that still exists today.
Kotohira is closely tied to Konpira-san, a Shinto shrine that sits on a hill above the town and draws pilgrims from across Japan. The long stone stairway leading up to it is lined with small shops selling local sweets and souvenirs, making the climb feel like a ritual in itself.
The town is easy to walk around, but the climb to the shrine involves several hundred stone steps and can take a good part of the morning. Comfortable footwear is a good idea, especially in summer when the heat along the stairway can be intense.
The Konpira shrine has been considered a protector of sailors for centuries, which is why fishermen and seafarers from across Japan made the journey here even when they lived far inland. Inside the shrine buildings, model ships and old navigation tools are still displayed as offerings from past visitors.
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