2 Best Sights in Kotohira, Shikoku

After climbing up to the Konpira Shrine, you may want some refreshment, or at least a diversion. When you get back to the bottom of all those steps, congratulate yourself with a stop and free tasting at this sake museum and brewery marked by an enormous sake bottle hanging to the left of the temple stairs. You can't miss it.

According to legend, this shrine, which is also known as Kotohira-gu, was founded in the 1st century. It's stood on top of Mt. Zozu ever since, protecting sailors and seafarers. Visiting requires some effort; you'll have to climb 785 steps to the impressive main shrine and 583 more to the final lookout. It's also possible to travel by taxi to the upper gate, or even hire two sturdy locals to carry you up in a straw basket (look for them at the base of the mountain). The first half of the climb is crowded with souvenir shops, but after that the setting is more peaceful. You'll glimpse the ocean as you climb, and the noise of the town gives way to the sounds of rustling trees and birdsong. The Treasure House, on your right after you pass through the stone gate, displays masks used in Noh and Kabuki theater. The Shoin, sometimes closed for maintenance, is an Edo-period hall with artifacts and screens painted by Okyo Maruyama (1733–95), celebrated in his day and now for his realistic style.