Climbing Konpira-san: 785 Steps to the Main Shrine (and 1,368 to the Top) — A Practical Guide

Quick answer: It’s 785 stone steps from the town of Kotohira to Konpira-san’s main shrine (Gohongu), and 1,368 if you continue to the Okusha inner shrine at the top. Allow 30–60 minutes up to the main shrine and about 30 minutes more to the Okusha. Go early in the morning, when it’s cooler and quieter, and wear proper walking shoes — it’s harder than it looks. The reward is a wide view over the Sanuki Plain. Kotohira is about an hour from Takamatsu by train.

I’ve climbed Konpira-san two or three times, all the way to the Okusha at the top. It’s one of Shikoku’s most famous sights — and it’s tougher than you expect. Here’s how to do it comfortably.

What is Konpira-san?

Kotohira-gu, known affectionately as Konpira-san, is a Shinto shrine on the slopes of Mt. Zozu in western Kagawa. It has long been worshipped by sailors and fishermen as a guardian of the sea, and for centuries pilgrims from all over Japan have climbed its long stone stairway.

The steps, section by section

Up to the main shrine (785 steps)

The first part runs through a shopping street lined with souvenir shops, sweet shops and udon. The climb gets serious after that, and the stretch from step 113 to the Omon gate is especially steep. After the gate the slope eases a little, with a wide path past shrine buildings.

The shrine’s own guides say anything from 30 minutes to an hour to the top. Take breaks — there’s no prize for rushing.

At the Gohongu, walk to the edge of the terrace for a wide view over the Sanuki Plain — one of the things I’d most want a visitor to see here.

On to the Okusha (1,368 steps)

If you still have energy, the path continues another 583 steps (about 30 minutes) through the forest to the Okusha. I’ve climbed it myself. If you have the time and energy, carry on to the top.

• Okusha hours: 9:00–16:30 (from 7:00 between 12 July and 30 September).
• The path can close without notice in typhoons, heavy rain or strong wind.
• Wild monkeys live on the mountain. Don’t feed them or get close.

Tips for the climb

• Wear real walking shoes. The steps are stone, and you have to come all the way down again too.
• Go early. The Omon gate opens at 6:00 and the main shrine at 7:00. In the morning it’s cooler and quieter.
• Summer is hot. Bring water and start as early as you can.
• Can’t manage the steps? The old palanquins (kago) that carried visitors up stopped in 2020. Today a shuttle taxi (¥1,000 one way) runs to the Omon gate at step 365 — you still walk the remaining 420 steps to the main shrine. Book through Kotobus (0877-73-2221).

Shops and udon on the approach

Part of the fun is the shopping street at the bottom. I enjoyed the shops and the udon on the approach — Kagawa is udon country, after all. See Sanuki Udon: How to Order at a Self-Service Shop.

Near step 500 there’s also a café inside the shrine grounds run by Shiseido Parlour, a famous Tokyo café brand, if you want a rest with a view.

Getting there

By train from Takamatsu

The JR Pass covers the JR route but not Kotoden. From either station it’s a short walk to the start of the steps.

By car

Kotohira is about 15–20 minutes from Zentsuji IC on the Takamatsu Expressway. The shrine has no official car park. Instead there are many paid car parks along the approach run by shops and private owners, usually around ¥500 a day. In my experience, parking near the start of the steps is the easiest option. The town also runs car parks by JR Kotohira Station. The shrine suggests setting your car navigation to JR Kotohira Station.

See Renting a Car in Shikoku.

Make a day of it

Konpira-san fits easily into a day in western Kagawa. See Kagawa in 2 Days for a route that combines it with Ritsurin Garden, udon and the Chichibugahama “mirror” beach. Zentsuji Temple, Kukai’s birthplace, is just 6 minutes away by train, and Marugame’s honetsukidori makes a good dinner.

FAQ

How many steps is Konpira-san?
785 to the main shrine and 1,368 to the Okusha at the top.

How long does it take?
30–60 minutes up to the main shrine, plus about 30 minutes to the Okusha. Allow 2–3 hours for the whole visit.

Is it hard?
Harder than most people expect, especially the steep section before the Omon gate. Take your time.

Is there a ropeway or lift?
No. A shuttle taxi goes as far as the Omon gate (step 365).

When is the best time to go?
Early morning, when it’s cooler and less crowded.

Steps, hours and fares checked on the official shrine, Kotobus and Kotoden websites on 24 October 2026.

Kaz

Tokushima local with family roots in Hiroshima

I live in Tokushima and my family is from Hiroshima, where I also used to live. I still go back several times a year. The guides here come from places I have actually been. Where I haven't tried something myself, I say so.