Kotohiragu Omotesando

Kotohira-gu Omotesando (Main Approach) refers to the approach road leading up to Kotohira-gu Shrine in Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture. As you climb while sightseeing along the street where the “Konpira-san song” plays, you can enjoy popular local experiences such as “Yomeiri Oiri” soft-serve (soft-serve topped with oiri, a Kagawa specialty) and making your own udon at Nakano Udon School. With attractions like Konpira Kabuki nearby, the approach itself has become a major tourist spot. You’ll also find Shiseido Parlour’s “Kamisubaki.” A well-known souvenir is the “happy yellow omamori,” which can only be purchased after reaching the Kotohira-gu shrine at the top. Like Mt. Fuji, Konpira pilgrimage is said to be something to do once in a lifetime, and it’s popular with people of all ages. Another feature is that there are many things you can only see here—not just the shrine—such as the Treasure Museum and the Takahashi Yuichi Museum. There’s also a luck test where you try to place a 1-yen coin into water in a water basin; if it doesn’t sink, it’s said to be lucky (putting your fingers in helps the coin go in more easily). After climbing the 785 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view. Access is about a 15-minute walk from Kotoden Kotohira Station.