Locating in the middle of Mount Zozu, Konpirasan Shrine (formerly known as Kotohira-gu Shrine) has been a well know and popular shrine for protection of shipping and fishing businesses since the ancient time (1336-1573) and is still considered one of the shrines that Japanese would visit at least once in a lifetime. Its importance is only second to Ise Shrine. Konpriasan at Kagawa is the head shrine of all Konpira shrines in Japan. The shrine is one of the toughest to reach (1,368 steps) yet it doesn’t deter the pilgrims. The shrine is a large complex on the mountain slope, featuring many historic buildings, ancient hexagonal lamps and Important Cultural Assets. Souvenir shops and tea houses line up from the bottom to over 300 steps to keep you busy looking and stopping as you go up. It is not as tough as you think (well, to the main shrine).
