Begin your journey at Ichinohashi Park, the traditional starting point for pilgrims visiting Kotohira Shrine, and step into a path walked by worshippers for centuries. After a brief introduction, you will learn that this is not just a sightseeing walk, but a true pilgrimage experience—climbing 785 stone steps to the main shrine, or up to 1,368 steps for those continuing to the inner sanctuary. As you walk along the historic approach, your guide will explain how the shrine’s deity has long been revered for agriculture, maritime safety, medicine, and business prosperity.
Ascending the stone steps through the lively Omotesando, you will gradually move into a more sacred atmosphere. At the grand gate, you will discover the story of “Kamiyo Ame,” a traditional candy shared as a way of spreading blessings, leading into the unique culture of proxy pilgrimage. Along the way, you will encounter the famous “Konpira dog,” representing animals and people who made the journey on behalf of others, with stories from the Edo period bringing this tradition to life.
Continuing upward, you will learn about devotional practices such as sacred horses and ema plaques, and visit Asahi Shrine, where the historical blending of Shinto and Buddhism is explained. After climbing the final steps, you will arrive at the main shrine, where you will learn the proper way to pray and take part in the ritual yourself.
For those choosing the extended option, the journey continues deeper into the mountains. You will visit Shiramine Shrine, connected to the exiled Emperor Sutoku, before reaching the inner sanctuary, a site tied to mountain worship and ascetic traditions. Here, stories of monks, tengu legends, and spiritual practices reveal a deeper layer of Japanese belief.
After enjoying panoramic views, you will carefully descend the long stone staircase. More than just a climb, this experience allows you to follow in the footsteps of past pilgrims and gain a deeper understanding of faith, culture, and endurance in one of Japan’s most important sacred sites.
