Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san)
金刀比羅宮
Kotohira-gu, popularly called Konpira-san, is a Shinto shrine on a mountainside in the town of Kotohira. For a long time people across Japan have worshipped it as the guardian of the sea and sailors. It welcomes about 4 million visitors a year, making it the most visited sight in Kagawa. Visitors climb a long stone stairway to reach the main shrine.
Visitor information
- Getting there
From Takamatsu-Chikko Station, the Kotoden train to Kotoden Kotohira Station takes about 60 minutes (adults 980 yen).
By JR, Takamatsu Station to Kotohira Station takes about 50 minutes.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- There are 785 stone steps to the main shrine (Gohon-gu) and 1,368 steps to the inner shrine (Okusha).
- A shuttle bus runs to the O-mon entrance gate of the shrine grounds; it requires a reservation.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- The shrine has a very long staircase of 1,368 steps; the main hall (Hongu) is about midway. Kagawa's tourism guide gives about 60 minutes as the time required.
- If the stairs are hard for you, you can ride a 'kago' palanquin and be carried up.
- Shinto shrines are open to everyone. Bowing, clapping and washing at the purification basin are optional; you can simply look around.
- Shrines are usually busiest at New Year and during festivals. Early morning is often the calmest time to visit.
- Charms, fortune slips and votive tablets are religious items. You do not need to buy or use them.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kagawa and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Kagawa
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr04:52
- Sunrise06:27
- Dhuhr11:49
- Asr14:45
- Maghrib17:07
- Isha18:33
Times are calculated for Takamatsu. Times may differ elsewhere in Kagawa.
Places to pray near Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san)
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san)
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Map
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Photo: ikm, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): assets.my-kagawa.jp, my-kagawa.jp