Important: Wikitravel is exploring a license upgrade to CC by-sa 3.0, please give your consent or refusal here.
Kotohira
From Wikitravel
Contents
Kotohira [1] (琴平) is a one-horse town known solely as the site of Kompira-san [2], a large shrine complex.
[edit] Get in
Kotohira is on the JR Dosan Line. From Takamatsu, rapid trains depart hourly between 10AM and 8PM, reaching Kotohira in 49 minutes (¥830). The private Kotoden Kotohira Line (琴電琴平線) departs from Takamatsu-Chikko station on the hour and half-past (one hour, ¥610).
From Okayama, Kotohira can be reached in one hour by taking the hourly Nanpu limited express (¥3160), or occasional local trains (105 minutes). Another option is the Marine Liner rapid train, which leaves at approx. 44 minutes past the hour, to Sakaide and then a change for the local to Kotohira (80-90 minutes, ¥1300).
[edit] Get around
The shrine entrance is an easily walked few hundred meters south from the train stations. True to its name, the shrine is built on a hill and it's a fairly steep climb all the way to the top.
For a taste of medieval luxury, porters can carry you up the hill in a palanquin for even steeper prices (¥6000 and up).
[edit][add listing] See
[edit] Kompira-san
The sights below are listed in order as you ascend the steps.
- The Great Gate (大門 Daimon), halfway up the hill, marks your entry into the shrine complex.
- A somewhat lackluster Treasure Hall (宝物館 Hōmotsukan), entry ¥500, is to your right soon after. On a hot summer day, the free air-conditioned resting area with drinking water (at the top of the next flight of steps) is likely to be more appealing.
- Asahi Shrine (旭社 Asahi-sha), which dates back to 1837, is the largest, oldest, and most impressive of Kompira's many shrine halls, in ornately decorated unpainted wood.
- The Main Shrine (本宮 Hon-gū) is the centerpiece of the temple complex, with a large square in front and many buildings packed in a cluster.
- Izutama Shrine (厳魂神社 Izutama-jinja), better known simply as the Inner Shrine (奥社, Oku-sha), is another 583 steps up from the main shrine. Far fewer visitors make it all the way up here, and you'll be rewarded with nice views over the city.
[edit] Other sites
- Kinryo Sake Museum (金陵の郷), 623 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado, ☎ +81 0877-73-4133, [3]. M-F 9AM-4PM, 9AM-6PM Sa. This museum describes the various stages in sake production. The exhibits are mostly in Japanese, but there are leaflets in other languages at the entrance to explain the process. Admission ¥310. At the end, generous shots of sake are available for ¥100. edit
[edit][add listing] Do
- Kanamaru-za (Kyu Konpira Oshibai), 241 Otsu, Kotohira-cho, ☎ +81 0877-73-3846, [4]. Tours W-M 9AM-5PM, performances by schedule. Built in 1835, this kabuki playhouse is the oldest remaining in Japan. It was designated an Important Cultural National Property in 1970. You can get a surprising amount of access to almost the entire theater, including the elevated walkway, trapdoor, revolving stage, and actors' changing rooms. English pamphlets are available. ¥500 adults, ¥300 students, ¥200 children. edit
[edit][add listing] Buy
From the moment you step off the train, you'll be bombarded by shrieking yellow advertisements for magical Konpira amulets at ¥800 a pop, available throughout the shrine.
[edit][add listing] Eat
Kagawa prefecture is famed for its Sanuki udon wheat noodles, and you'll find no shortage of shops hawking them on the road and stairway to the shrine. Kotohira's very own style is less than innovatively composed by pouring soy and bonito flakes on top of your noodles.
[edit][add listing] Drink
Konpira Beer is the local microbrew.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
Most people choose to day-trip from Takamatsu or Okayama.
- Kotobuki Ryokan, 245-5 Shinmachi, Kotohira-cho, ☎ +81 0877-73-3872, [5]. A traditional ryokan with excellent service and a premium kaiseki dinner (¥2500). Rooms from ¥5000 single, ¥8500 double. edit
- Sunwell Kotohira, 162-1 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado, ☎ +81 0878-62-0937. Decent apartment-style rooms. Bike rentals, Internet access available. Rooms from ¥3500-4000 single, ¥6000-6500 double. edit
[edit] Get out
| This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow! |
