Kotohira-gu

Kotohira-gu is affectionately known as "Konpira-san" and is a renowned shrine of Sanuki Province. It sits on the slopes of Zozu Mountain and is famous for its 785 stone steps to the main shrine and 1368 steps to the inner shrine. Enshrining Omononushi-kami, it has long received devoted worship as a guardian deity of maritime traffic. During the Edo period, pilgrimages to Konpira became a nationwide phenomenon attracting countless visitors, and to this day hundreds of thousands of people climb the stone steps annually to pay respects, making it one of the foremost spiritual sites in Shikoku. The sense of achievement upon completing the long stone climb and the magnificent views from the summit are truly special.