Kotohira-gu Shrine

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Kotohira-gu Shrine, affectionately known as "Konpira-san" in Kotohira Town, is one of Japan's leading sacred sites that has long gathered faith as a guardian deity of the sea. Its most prominent feature is the long stone staircase of 785 steps to the Main Shrine (1,368 steps to the Inner Shrine) starting from the path entrance. Souvenir shops and udon restaurants line both sides of the stairs, and the sacred air deepens with each step you climb. The view of the Sanuki Plain from the observatory at the Main Shrine is exceptional, coupled with the sense of accomplishment. The grounds are packed with high artistic value highlights, such as designated Important Cultural Property buildings and a Shoin containing wall paintings by Maruyama Okyo. You can feel Japan's deep history and spirituality firsthand at this prayer site people wished to visit at least once in their lives.