Konpira-san

Konpira-gu shrine is called Konpira-san of Sanuki. And it is known as a guardian deity of the sea. With its park and forest, it is laid out on the slope of Mt. Zozu or Mt. Elephant's head over 521 meters high. Many Japanese people go and worship at this shrine. The annual festival of Konpira-gu shrine, known popularly as "O-Toka" (Grand Festival) is held in Oct. 10th and 11th.

Kanamaruza

Kanamaruza is the oldest remaining Kabuki theater built in 1836 in downtown Kotohira. Many famous Kabuki actors visit here from Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. Kabuki is held every year for ten days.

Soy beans

Soy beans are one of the special products in Kagawa. There is a story about the origin of soy beans. An old woman lost her beans while entertaining the Ohenro-san (a kind of pilgrim). But one of the beans dropped into the soy sauce pot. A few days later the old woman picked up a bean from the soy sauce pot and ate it. And it was very delicious! This is the origin of soy beans.

A Japanese Style Hotel.

Kotohira is a tourist town, so it has many hotels. Kotosan-kaku, Kobai-tei, and Shochiku-en are very popular. Kotosan-kaku is the newest and biggest hotel in Kotohira. Kobai-tei was visited by the Japanese crown prince and princess recently.

Takadoro

This is the tallest latern in the country. It was built in 1865 by a Pilgrim's club in eastern Sanuki. It used to serve as a beacon for Kompira Shrine, for pilgrims arriving at night.

Itto-bori

This is a local woodcarving shop. It can be seen as you approach Kompira-san.

Donzo-Ro

Donzo-Ro is a famous old house. A runaway criminal named Takasugi Shinsaku used this house for shelter. He tried to make a political campaign, but he went too far. That's why he was regarded as an enemy by the shogunate. Donzo-Ro was booby-trapped to protect him.

Kompira-san in Sanuki is the guardian deity of seafarers.
It has attracted many followers since the Edo period.
The 785 stairs to the main building and the 1,368 stairs to the innermost shrine are well-known.