A Once-In-A-Lifetime Visit To Kagawa's Kotohiragu Shrine
Panoramic views reward those who make the steep ascent of Kotohiragu Shrine , the Kotohira area's main draw. But there's more to this friendly destination, making it ideal for a day-trip combining religion, theater and food.
Kotohira is famous for Kotohiragu Shrine , more commonly known as Kompirasan. Dedicated to sailors and seafaring, it is Shikoku's most popular shrine, despite a 785-step ascent to the main hall. This challenging approach takes around 45 minutes, but if you can't (or don't want to) make the climb, you can hire a palanquin to carry you up.
Alongside Kotohiragu Shrine, Kotohira's other main attraction is a traditional kabuki theater, Kanamaruza . Japan's oldest existing playhouse built in 1835, it is a must-see for theater lovers. Despite its age, the theater is in wonderful condition and provides great insight into the world of classical Japanese performance. Kabuki dramas are still performed every April, but during the off-season, visitors can explore the audience hall, main stage area, backstage and dressing rooms.
Kotohira town is also home to a number of Sanuki udon restaurants, Kagawa's signature dish. Simple and family run, the restaurants are housed in traditional buildings where the noodles are handmade on site. Often served in a simple broth topped with chopped scallions, Kagawa's soul food is the perfect example of when less is more.
Kotohira is famous for Kotohiragu Shrine , more commonly known as Kompirasan. Dedicated to sailors and seafaring, it is Shikoku's most popular shrine, despite a 785-step ascent to the main hall. This challenging approach takes around 45 minutes, but if you can't (or don't want to) make the climb, you can hire a palanquin to carry you up.
Alongside Kotohiragu Shrine, Kotohira's other main attraction is a traditional kabuki theater, Kanamaruza . Japan's oldest existing playhouse built in 1835, it is a must-see for theater lovers. Despite its age, the theater is in wonderful condition and provides great insight into the world of classical Japanese performance. Kabuki dramas are still performed every April, but during the off-season, visitors can explore the audience hall, main stage area, backstage and dressing rooms.
Kotohira town is also home to a number of Sanuki udon restaurants, Kagawa's signature dish. Simple and family run, the restaurants are housed in traditional buildings where the noodles are handmade on site. Often served in a simple broth topped with chopped scallions, Kagawa's soul food is the perfect example of when less is more.
