Kotohiragu Shrine: 7 Must-Visit Shops and Dining Spots in Kagawa

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Kotohiragu Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture is a popular destination renowned as a spiritual hotspot. There are also many charming shops along the shrine's main approach path. This article, penned by a local MATCHA writer, will introduce seven highly recommended shops.

Written by

Mizzochi

Mitoyo, Kagawa, Japan

I worked in a PR agency for corporate IR/CSR and a publisher which publishes a magazine focused on international cooperation before joining MATCHA in October 2017.

In April 2019, I moved to Mitoyo City in Kagawa Prefecture. I write articles for tourists visiting Japan, and also contribute to regional revitalization.

My main focus is on writing about internet services, rental cars, hotels, and tourist attractions in western Japan.

Discover the Charm of Kotohiragu Shrine in Kagawa

Kotohiragu Shrine, located in Kagawa Prefecture's Kotohira Town, is a spiritual hotspot beloved by the nickname "Konpira-san." Since the Edo period, it has been a popular pilgrimage site alongside Ise Shrine, attracting many visitors.

Along the main approach path leading to Konpira-san, there are many attractions ranging from historic sake breweries to trendy shops. This article introduces the latest recommended spots for 2025.

1. Experience Udon-Making at Nakano Udon School

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中野うどん学校琴平校 nakanoudonschool(@udonschool_kotohira)がシェアした投稿

Nakano Udon School is a facility where you can experience making Sanuki udon by hand. In roughly 50 minutes, you will learn the process of making udon from flour and salt water before cooking it.

I have also experienced it myself, and it's a highly enjoyable activity, especially when working to the rhythm of music. Whether you do this activity with family or friends, it's sure to be a blast!

Reservations are possible, but you can also join on the same day. We recommend visiting when you have some spare time while sightseeing.

Nakano Udon School Kotohira Branch

766-0001 796 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture

[Graduate in about 60 minutes! ] [Come empty-handed] [Make it yourself and eat it! ] Udon teachers will teach you how to make authentic Sanuki handmade udon, from kneading the flour, to rolling it out with a rolling pin, boiling it, and eating it. After making it, everyone will taste it. The taste of udon that you make and eat yourself is exceptional. Of course, you can take it home, so it makes a great souvenir for your trip. A graduation certificate, secret recipe book, and a rolling pin are included as souvenirs. Please feel free to enroll!

2. Workshop and Souvenir Shopping at Kinryo no Sato

Founded in 1658, Kinryo (Nishino Kinryo) is a traditional sake brewery that has been producing sacred sake for Kotohiragu Shrine since the Edo period.

Along the shrine's main approach path, there is the Kinryo Museum, or Kinryo no Sato, and a souvenir shop. The museum features many exhibits, including sake brewing tools used during the Edo period, making it full of highlights.

In the souvenir shop, you can find not only various types of sake produced by Kinryo but also snacks, ice cream, and small bottles that are easy to take home. You can also enjoy a sake tasting service.

Kinryo no Sato

623 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 766-0001

This is a traditional sake brewery founded in the Edo period and produces the sacred sake from Konpira Shrine. Kinryo no Sato in Konpira's Omotesando has a history museum and souvenir shops. The History Museum is free to enter, and you can enjoy learning about the history of sake brewing. The souvenir shop is packed with a wide variety of Kinryo products.

3. Souvenir Shopping at Gonin Byakusho Ikeshouten Store

In Kotohira, there are many historic souvenir shops. Among them, Gonin Byakusho Ikeshouten Store has an exceptional history.

Founded in 1245, it is one of the five businesses (Gonin Byakusho) authorized to sell the traditional local specialty “Kamiyo Ame” (yuzu-flavored candy) within the precincts of Konpirasan, associated with the shrine's deity.

At the storefront, you can find not only Kamiyo Ame but also original products made with the candy and various souvenirs using Kagawa Prefecture's specialties.

There is a cafe on the premises to enjoy menu items unique to a candy shop, such as soft serve ice cream made with the candy.

Additionally, as part of the experiential content, you can take part in a storytelling experience to become a little tourism ambassador for Kotohira, or participate in a candy-making experience (reservations can be made by phone at 0877753694).

Ikeshouten Store

933 Kotohira-cho, Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 766-00...

Located in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa Prefecture, this is a long-established souvenir shop founded in 1245. It is one of the five businesses (five farmers) authorized to sell Kamiyo-ame, a specialty candy sold within the grounds of Kotohira Shrine. Inside the store, you'll find a wide selection of Kagawa Prefecture specialties, including traditional crafts and sweets. You can also enjoy soft serve ice cream made with Kamiyo-ame at the attached cafe.

4. Taste Gourmet Udon at Konpira Udon Sando Branch

Sanuki udon, known as a specialty gourmet of Kagawa Prefecture, is served at many shops around Kotohiragu Shrine's main approach path. However, one of the most famous is Konpira Udon Sando Branch.

With a history spanning 65 years as a noodle shop, the building itself is over a hundred years old and is designated as a registered cultural property. It offers a formal and dignified atmosphere.

The menu includes standard kake udon, bukkake udon served with rich soy sauce, and shoyu udon. The popular shoyu udon is characterized by being topped with plenty of bonito flakes, which complement the taste of the udon perfectly.

Tempura options such as ebi-ten (shrimp tempura) and toriten (chicken tempura) are also abundant. There are set meal options available, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal.

Konpira Udon Sando Branch

810-3 Kotohira-cho, Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 766-...

Located on Konpira Omotesando in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa Prefecture, this is a long-established udon restaurant that has been in business for over 65 years. The building itself is more than 100 years old and is a registered cultural property. They offer a wide variety of udon and tempura dishes. The soy sauce udon topped with lots of bonito flakes is especially popular. They also offer set meals that come with seasoned rice.

5. Savor Gourmet Food and Go Souvenir Shopping at Kotohira Terrace

Kotohira Terrace stands out along Kotohiragu Shrine's main approach path with its wall featuring circular sculptures made from Kagawa Prefecture's craft product, "Sanuki lacquerware."

The building was renewed in 2022. Inside, you'll find displays related to the local tradition of "Konpira Kabuki" and ancient maps of Kotohira, allowing you to feel the history of the region.

Popular items include "Konpira dorayaki" made with raw chocolate and fruits, as well as soft serve ice cream topped with "oiri," a traditional candy from Kagawa Prefecture. The oiri soft serve is made with upscale sugar called "Wasanbon," offering a rich and smooth flavor.

Kotohira Terrace

716-5 Kotohiracho, Kotohiracho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture, 766-0...

Kotohira Terrace is located on Konpira Omotesando in Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture. They offer a variety of sweets unique to the area, such as soft serve ice cream topped with oiri, Konpira Dorayaki filled with fresh chocolate and fruit, and coffee topped with oiri. Inside the store, you can feel the history of the area through the interior decorations, such as items related to Konpira Kabuki, a seasonal tradition of Kotohira Town, and old maps of Kotohira Town.

6. Sip Hand-Crafted Brews at Donzo Brewing

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Kotohira's sake is not limited to Kinryo.

Donzo Brewing, a craft beer brewery, opened in 2023. It is located within the Shinmachi Shopping District, adjacent to the Kotohiragu Shrine's main approach path.

In Kotohira, there is a historical site called "Donzoro," where samurai from the late Edo period exchanged dreams. In a nod to this history, the brewery was named with the hope that it would become a place where everyone can share their dreams.

In addition to craft beers like "Kotohira Kölsch," known for its rich aroma, and "Kotohira IPA," which utilizes a variety of aromatic hops, you can enjoy tasty dishes like fried chicken made with locally sourced garlic.

Furthermore, since the building was originally a pottery shop, the large letters are still displayed above the store as a remnant of its past.

Donzo Brewing

182-2 Kotohiracho, Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture, 766-...

A craft beer brewery that opened in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa Prefecture in 2023. You can enjoy beers unique to this area, such as the mellow-smelling Kotohira Kolsch and the Kotohira IPA, which uses a variety of aromatic hops. Located in the Shinmachi Shopping Arcade adjacent to Konpira Omotesando, the area is home to a stationery store with a unique concept, a bagel shop, and a cafe.

7. Accommodation and Workshop at Shikishima-kan & Chiko-in no Yu

Shikishima-kan, located along the shrine's main approach path, is a long-established ryokan (traditional inn) originally registered as a national tangible cultural property. It opened in 2019, preserving the appearance of its exterior as much as possible in its original form.

One of the most notable features of Shikishima-kan is its free foot bath, which is open to everyone.

Set in a charming space that adds color to the main approach path in Konpira, it is the perfect spot to rest your tired feet after climbing the stairs to Kotohiragu Shrine.

Book a stay at Shikishima-kan

Recommended Hotels in Konpira

There are many popular hotels where Konpira is located.

Kotohira Onsen Kotosankaku

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

One of the most famous hotels in Kotohira is Kotosankaku.

Equipped with various bathing facilities, including a sauna and a garden open-air bath, it is perfect for relaxing after a tiring journey.

Click Here to Reserve a Room

Kotori Coworking & Hostel Kotohira

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

If you want to enjoy warm interactions with fellow travelers, Kotori Coworking & Hostel Kotohira is the perfect choice.

As its name implies, it is a guesthouse with a coworking space with reasonable rates, making it ideal for longer stays.

Click Here to Check Room Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the round-trip time from the main approach path to the shrine?

When visiting Kotohiragu Shrine, you should expect it to take about 1 hour and 30 minutes if you plan to make a round trip from the main approach path to the main hall. For a trip to the Okusha (main shrine), allow approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are many cafes around the main approach, so you can relax and restore your energy.

What are the operating hours of the shrine's main approach path to Kotohiragu Shrine?

Many shops along Kotohiragu Shrine's main approach path close around 16:00 to 17:00. Additionally, Kotohiragu Shrine closes its gates at 18:00, and you cannot visit in the evening. If you want to buy souvenirs, it's best to do so during the day.

On the other hand, there are several establishments in the area, like Donzo Brewing, that primarily operate in the evening.

How much time is required for visiting Kotohiragu Shrine?

If you plan to make a round trip to the main hall, expect to take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. For a trip to the Okusha (main shrine), plan for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, there are many highlights along the steps to the main shrine, including the Treasure Hall, Takahashi Yuichi Hall, and Omote Shoin. It is recommended to allow extra time for your visit.

Are the steps to Kotohiragu Shrine difficult?

The steps to Kotohiragu Shrine are steep, and it can be challenging to climb. However, there are rest areas with benches along the way, allowing you to take breaks while ascending. Additionally, you can reach the restaurant Kamisubaki, located at the 500th step, by car. There is even a vehicle access system (advance reservation required) for individuals with disabilities.

Enjoy Your Time in Kotohira!

Kotohiragu Shrine is one of Japan's top tourist destinations, featuring many attractions. It's easy to get lost in the myriad of choices about where to go.

Use this article to enjoy your stay in Konpira to the fullest!

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