Photo: z tanuki / CC BY 3.0Konpira-san is the shrine of the sea god, and for centuries it has been a place sailors and fishermen visit to give thanks and ask for safe voyages. The shrine's own guide describes the walk as 785 stone steps from the approach street to the main hall, at step 785 and 251 m above sea level, about 30 minutes one way. For a cruise passenger it is the most direct answer to the question of what a ship day in Kagawa is for.
The climb is the experience. The shrine's guide names the sights on the way: the Great Gate donated by the Takamatsu lord Matsudaira Yorishige, the Asahi Shrine finished in 1845 after about 40 years of work, and the Shoin hall with Maruyama Okyo sliding-door paintings. A cafe and restaurant, Kamitsubaki, serves dishes from Shiseido Parlour Ginza beside the stone plaza. The Treasure House has an Important Cultural Property Eleven-Faced Kannon and a festival-procession screen. At the top there is an observation deck in front of the main hall.
The catch is time and knees. It is 62 minutes each way by train, and the shrine itself warns that the section from step 113 to the Great Gate, called Ichinosaka, is especially steep, so go slowly and take the stopping points. A shrine festival runs 9 to 11 October 2026 with a procession on the 10th, and the Asahi Shrine is under restoration. On a short call, skip it.
Five things the plaques won't tell you
- Take the direct trains at :00 and :30 from Takamatsu-Chikko; the return at :12 and :42 from Kotoden-Kotohira takes 61 minutes.
- The steep part is steps 113 to the Great Gate. Rest at the stopping points; the shrine itself advises going slowly.
- The Treasure House and Omote-shoin are closed on Tuesdays. The main hall doors close at 17:00, but you should be heading back well before that.
- Hold off on the inner shrine path unless you have time; the path and doors close at 16:30.
- Check the date: the shrine's main festival runs 9 to 11 October, with a procession on the 10th.
At the top there is an observation deck in front of the main hall.
The picks
Udon on the approach streetAny of the udon shops on the approach to the steps; check each shop's own hours and closing day — open in Maps →
Cafe lunch by the stone plazaKamitsubaki cafe and restaurant, in the basement beside the Mokuba-sha shrine building (shrine guide; hours not listed) — open in Maps →Guided days from Takamatsu
Booked before you sail — there is no tour desk at the pier. Booking through these links supports the site.
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Questions people ask here
How many steps are there at Kotohira-gu?
The shrine's guide says 785 stone steps from the approach street to the main hall, about 30 minutes one way, with the main hall at 251 m above sea level. The stretch from step 113 to the Great Gate (Ichinosaka) is particularly steep.
How do I get from Takamatsu cruise port to Kotohira-gu?
Walk about 10 minutes to Takamatsu-Chikko station and take the Kotoden Kotohira Line direct to Kotoden-Kotohira: 62 minutes, ¥780. Through trains leave at :00 and :30. From the station to the foot of the steps is about 1.6 km, so allow another 20 minutes or more.
Is Kotohira-gu worth it on an 8-hour call?
Yes if you are happy to walk. A 9:30 train gets you there at 10:32 and a 14:12 or 14:42 train back gets you to Takamatsu-Chikko at 15:13 or 15:43. On a shorter call, choose Ritsurin Garden or Takamatsu Castle instead.