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BASICS

What God Is Enshrined at Kotohira (Konpira) Shrine? — Omononushi, Maritime Safety, and 600 Shrines

Kotohira-gu in Kagawa — known affectionately as 'Konpirasan' — enshrines Omononushi and Emperor Sutoku, long venerated as a guardian of maritime safety. Its 1,368-step stone stairway is a famous landmark.

Contents

MOKUJI

The Deity——Ōmonononushi and Emperor Sutoku

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Blessings and Worship Etiquette

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Related Pilgrimage Sites

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Kotohira-gu (Konpira-san) enshrines Ōmonononushi-no-Kami and Emperor Sutoku on Mount Zōzu in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku. Known affectionately as “Konpira-san,” it is famous for its 785-step stone staircase to the main hall (honden) and 1,368 steps to the inner sanctuary. It has been a center of maritime safety prayer since ancient times, and the Edo-period pilgrimage boom made it one of Japan’s most beloved pilgrimage destinations.

The Deity——Ōmonononushi and Emperor Sutoku

Ōmonononushi and Maritime Protection

Ōmonononushi-no-Kami (the gentle soul of Ōkuninushi) governs agriculture, fishing, navigation, and medicine. At Kotohira-gu, the maritime protection aspect is especially prominent — fishermen and sailors across Setonaikai worshipped here for safe passage at sea. The name “Konpira” derives from Sanskrit Kumbhira, a crocodilian river deity from the Ganges, showing the fusion of Buddhist ocean worship with Shinto.

Deity

Blessings

Ōmonononushi

Maritime safety, harvest, matchmaking, medicine

Emperor Sutoku

Good fortune, victory

The Edo-Period Pilgrimage Boom

During the Edo period, “Konpira-mairi” (pilgrimage to Konpira-san) rivaled the famous Ise pilgrimage in popularity. A folk song — “Konpira fune fune, Ōite ni hokakete, Shurashu-shu” — spread across Japan. Combined with the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage, Kotohira-gu drew millions of pilgrims annually.

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Blessings and Worship Etiquette

Main Blessings

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Maritime safety and navigation: the core blessing for fishermen and sailors

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Traffic and transport safety: extended to cars and aircraft in modern times

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Abundant harvest: agricultural protection from Ōmonononushi

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Matchmaking: the deity’s association with beneficial unions

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Business prosperity: from the legacy of Edo merchant worship

Stone Staircase Etiquette

The 785 steps to the main hall require stamina. Walking canes are available for rent. At the halfway point, the famous Gonin-Byakusho (five hereditary vendors) sell Kamiyoame candy — a Kotohira-gu specialty that has been sold here since the Edo period under exclusive shrine commerce rights.

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Related Pilgrimage Sites

Akihabara Kotohira Shrine is a branch shrine brought from Sanuki to Edo, serving as Tokyo’s Konpira hub. Kashima Jingu in Ibaraki is the great eastern shrine of the war deity Takemikazuchi, drawing pilgrims seeking martial victory. Katori Jingu in Chiba pairs with Kashima as the major eastern Shinto complex. Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka enshrines the three maritime-protection Sumiyoshi deities, a natural companion pilgrimage to Konpira-san. Munakata Taisha in Fukuoka, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has guarded ships crossing the Genkai Sea to the Korean peninsula for over 1,500 years.

Shrine

Highlight

Kotohira-gu

785-step climb; Shikoku’s great maritime shrine

Kashima Jingu

Eastern Japan’s great shrine of valor

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Osaka’s maritime-protection triad

Munakata Taisha

UNESCO World Heritage maritime shrine

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many steps are there at Kotohira-gu?

There are 785 steps to the main hall and 1,368 steps to the inner sanctuary (okumiya). Most visitors aim for the main hall (785 steps), which takes approximately 30–45 minutes one way. The full round trip to the okumiya takes about 2–3 hours.

What souvenirs is Kotohira-gu famous for?

Kamiyoame (amber hard candy), sold exclusively by the five hereditary “Gonin-Byakusho” vendors mid-staircase, is the most iconic souvenir — a privilege dating back to the Edo period. Maritime safety amulets and good-fortune charms are also popular.

Is Kotohira-gu open to all visitors?

Yes, the shrine welcomes visitors of all backgrounds throughout the year. For those unable to climb the stairs, palanquin (kago) rentals are available on the approach.

Last updated: May 28, 2026

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Toku editorial team — shrines and temples. Former designer who reads temple architecture and gardens through an aesthetic lens, quietly tracing the lineages of sects and doctrines.

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