Located halfway up Mount Zozu in Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture, Kotohira Shrine is an ancient shrine with fans across Japan, known as "Konpira-san," a miraculous deity known for its miraculous powers of maritime safety, business prosperity, and healing. The main approach is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants serving the shrine's famous udon noodles, and each climb up the stone steps will put you in a travelling mood. Passing through the main gate at the 365th step, you enter the sacred grounds, where magnificent shrine buildings and views of the Sanuki Plain await. There are a total of 785 steps to the main shrine, and you can worship at your own pace, one step at a time. From the main hall to the inner shrine, it takes another 30 minutes.

If you have the energy, you can climb another 583 steps to the inner shrine, Izumo Shrine. The view of the sheer rock walls and Tengu masks, as well as the view of the town of Kotohira, offers an exceptional sense of accomplishment (a total of 1,368 steps from the main approach). There are many sights to see along the way, including Shiramine Shrine and the Ema Hall, so it's best to take your time and make detours along the way. Rest areas and benches are dotted along the stone steps, and the path is decorated with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn.

For an indoor exhibition, head to the museum on the temple grounds. It displays materials related to Kotohira faith and maritime culture, and admission to the permanent exhibition is free. Searching for local sake "Kinryo," famous sweets "Kyuman," and items related to "Konpira Inu" in front of the gate is another fun part of the trip.

Near the start of the main approach is the "Kyu Konpira Grand Theater Kanamaruza," the last remaining kabuki theater. There is also a free foot bath.

The approach is lined with numerous restaurants and souvenir shops, making it the perfect size for a half-day to full-day trip.

For parking, you can use the municipal parking lot, as well as paid parking and designated parking lots.

Zentsuji Temple is also nearby, about a 20-minute drive away.