Nemuro Kotohira Shrine
根室金刀比羅神社
Hokkaido · Nemuro
Kotohira (Konpira) Maritime Safety
Kokuhei Taisha
Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san)
金刀比羅宮
/ Kotohira-gū
Admission
Free (treasure hall ¥800)
Goshuin
¥300
Access
30 min walk
Hours
6:00–17:30
Overview
Perched on the sacred Mt. Zozu, Kotohira-gu — affectionately called Konpira-san — is one of Japan's most beloved pilgrimage destinations. The 1,368 stone steps to the inner shrine are Japan's most famous staircase, lined with souvenir shops, udon restaurants, and centuries of pilgrimage tradition. During the Edo period, when travel was restricted, 'Konpira mairi' was one of the few sanctioned pilgrimages, drawing hundreds of thousands annually. The shrine is the guardian of all who travel by sea.
History
1001📄Documented
First documented record of the shrine's existence.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of Mount Miwa, agriculture, brewing, pestilence, and healing; identified with Okuninushi's spirit
⛩
secondary Deity
The 75th emperor (1119–1164); exiled to Sanuki after the Hogen Rebellion; one of Japan's most powerful vengeful spirits (goryoshin)
Blessings
Shrine Network
Kotohira (Konpira) head
Head shrine of approximately 600 branch shrines nationwide.
Did You Know?
💡
The 785 steps to the main shrine and 1,368 steps to the inner shrine are Japan's most famous pilgrimage staircase.
Source: documented
💡
In the Edo period, people who could not travel would tie money to their dog's collar and send it on the pilgrimage — called 'Konpira-inu' (Konpira dog).
Source: tradition
💡
The shrine's treasure hall houses one of only two Maruyama Okyo paintings in Japan still hanging in their original location.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
34.1769, 133.8200
Physical Address
892-1 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa 766-8501
〒766-8501 香川県仲多度郡琴平町892-1
Historical Province
Sanuki
Access
Kotohira Station (JR Dosan Line) / Kotoden-Kotohira Station
30 min walk
Hours
6:00–17:30
Bus
The 785 steps to the main shrine take approximately 30 min on foot from the base
Best Times to Visit
Spring (cherry blossoms along stairs)October (Grand Festival)
Foreign Language Support
English signage
Accessibility
Very limited due to stairs; palanquin service available for a fee
Official Website
http://www.konpira.or.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
Japan's most famous shrine staircase pilgrimage, with Edo-period atmosphere and ocean guardian traditions that defined Japanese travel culture.
Related Shrines
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san)?
Perched on the sacred Mt. Zozu, Kotohira-gu — affectionately called Konpira-san — is one of Japan's most beloved pilgrimage destinations. The 1,368 stone steps to the inner shrine are Japan's most famous staircase, lined with souvenir shops, udon restaurants, and centuries of pilgrimage tradition. During the Edo period, when travel was restricted, 'Konpira mairi' was one of the few sanctioned pilgrimages, drawing hundreds of thousands annually. The shrine is the guardian of all who travel by sea.
Where is Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san) located?
Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san) is located in Kotohira, Kagawa. The full address is: 892-1 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa 766-8501.
What deities are enshrined at Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san)?
The enshrined deities are: Omononushi no Kami, Emperor Sutoku.
What blessings can you pray for at Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san)?
Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san) is known for: Maritime Safety, Good Catch, Performing Arts, Agriculture.
How do I get to Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san)?
The nearest station is Kotohira Station (JR Dosan Line) / Kotoden-Kotohira Station. It is about a 30-minute walk from the station. The 785 steps to the main shrine take approximately 30 min on foot from the base