"My Visit to Kotohira Shrine: While my family stopped at the main gate, I climbed alone to the main hall

Trip to Kotohira Shrine

At 2:30 PM, we went to the Nakano Udon School Kotohira branch to experience making handmade udon. After learning how to prepare udon, we also ate the noodles we had cut ourselves. As the evening approached, the weather became less hot, making it a good time to climb up to the nearby Kotohira Shrine.To reach the main hall (御本宮) of Kotohira Shrine, we had to climb more than 700 stone steps from the entrance of the approach path. Our family decided to start the climb together.

As we ascended from Konpira Street towards the shrine, we observed the stone monuments and statues along the way, which made the climb less monotonous. Fortunately, the sun was not too strong, but the countless steps made us wonder how far we still had to go.

Approaching the large gate of Kotohira Shrine, we spotted the Kotohira Honkyō Shrine (金刀比羅本教神社). Since many visitors had already descended, it was a great opportunity to take photos.

Upon reaching the main gate, we saw stone guardian lions beside it, as well as framed artworks in glass cases on both sides, depicting what appeared to be Japanese samurai figures.

At this point, my family needed a break and decided not to continue climbing. So, I ventured on alone towards the main hall—not for worship, but to enjoy the scenery. Since I had come from afar, I wanted to reach the main hall, especially because the signs along the way kept indicating the remaining distance.

Looking beyond the main gate, the seemingly endless path ahead was intimidating. I hesitated for a moment, wondering whether I should continue climbing, as I was unsure how much farther I could go and didn’t want my family to wait too long.

Determined, I quickened my pace, taking two steps at a time. Soon, I reached the Shinma-sha (神馬舎), where a large plaza featured a guideboard of the shrine grounds. Although I wasn’t particularly interested in the numerous smaller shrines, I was intrigued by the sacred white horse. To my surprise, horses were actually kept within the shrine! As I approached, I realized it was a divine horse (神馬), just as a caretaker arrived to feed it—perhaps signaling that the horse was about to rest.

Continuing the ascent, I was taken aback by the seemingly endless number of steps. Fortunately, the weather remained pleasant. After passing through the Sakaki Gate (賢木門) and other shrines, I reached the steep Gomae Yotsudan Steps (御前四段の陡坡階梯), the final climb before reaching the main hall.

At last, I arrived at the main hall, where a crowd had gathered. Instead of squeezing through, I headed to the nearby observation deck to take in the panoramic view. Having climbed all 785 steps, it was only fitting to admire the distant landscape from this elevated vantage point.

Exploring the quieter side of the main hall, I came across Mihohime Shrine (三穂津姫社) and Rokudai-den (緑黛殿). Initially, I thought Rokudai-den was a long corridor, but it wasn’t. After waiting for the crowd to clear, I took some photos and decided to descend, as my family was waiting for me at the main gate.

I took a different route down—a steep stairway called Shimomukaidō (下向道). Along the way, I passed by Asahi Shrine (旭社), an important cultural property. However, I was more intrigued by the two wishing pools, which were filled with water and coins. The sight was picturesque, and later, when reviewing my videos at home, I realized that the coins were meant to float on the water rather than sink.

Descending quickly, I soon passed through the torii gate and reunited with my family at the main gate. Just then, I heard the sound of drums from the Drum Tower (鼓楼)—it was already 5:00 PM. At this time, security had closed the main gate, preventing visitors from entering, as descending after dark would be difficult. Nighttime worship was not allowed.

As we walked through the shopping street, dark clouds gathered over the mountain. It seemed like rain was approaching, and the clouds drifted toward the plains. As we neared the Kotoden train station, a heavy downpour suddenly began. Thank God!