Kompirasan

What to know

Kompirasan, officially named Kotohiragu (金刀比羅宮, Kotohiragū), is the principal shrine among many Kompira shrines across Japan dedicated to sailors and seafaring. It sits on the wooded slopes of Mount Zozu in Kotohira, and reaching it requires climbing a challenging 1,368 stone steps.

For centuries, Kompirasan was revered as a blend of Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple until the Meiji Period, when the government enforced a separation of the two religions. However, the former coexistence is still evident in the shrine's architecture, which incorporates both Shinto and Buddhist elements.

Despite being one of Japan's most demanding shrine approaches, Kompirasan remains highly popular, attracting pilgrims from all over the country. The climb begins through a touristy shopping arcade lined with souvenir shops and Sanuki Udon restaurants. From there, it's a 785-step ascent (about 45 minutes) past several auxiliary shrine buildings and museums to the main hall.

Next to the main hall, a viewpoint overlooks Kotohira Town, and the Ema Hall displays plates and pictures of ships, battleships, and even space rockets whose crews sought the shrine's protection. Interestingly, a real mini submarine is also on display. Most visitors stop at the main hall, but adventurous souls can continue another 583 steps (45 minutes) along a paved, forested path to the inner shrine (Okusha).

The start of the long approach to Kompirasan is about a ten-minute walk from JR Kotohira and Kotoden Kotohira stations. Alternatively, a shuttle bus runs hourly between the stations and the shrine's main gate, about halfway up to the main hall (700 yen one way). Advance reservations for the shuttle bus are mandatory by phone or online.