Kotohira

Kotohira (Kotohira-chō) is a town located in Nakatado District, Kagawa, Japan. The town is best known as the site of Shikoku's largest shrine complex, the Kotohira Shrine (popularly known as Kompira-san).

Kotohira also features Japan's oldest surviving Kabuki playhouse, Kanamaru-za. Its average temperature is 16.7 degrees Celsius with an average annual rainfall of 817.5 mm. The town tree is the Rhodoleia, and the town flower is the blossom of the cherry tree. The mayor is Masaomi Yamashita, and the town was named after an ancient marine god named Kotohiragu. A grand festival is held every year on October 10th.

Kotohira is on the JR Dosan Line. From Takamatsu, rapid trains depart hourly between 10AM and 8PM, reaching Kotohira in 49 minutes (¥830). The private Kotoden Kotohira Line departs from Takamatsu-Chikko station on the hour and half-past (one hour, ¥610).

From Okayama, Kotohira can be reached in one hour by taking the hourly Nanpu limited express (¥3160), or occasional local trains (105 minutes). Another option is the Marine Liner rapid train, which leaves at approx. 44 minutes past the hour, to Sakaide and then a change for the local to Kotohira (80-90 minutes, ¥1300).

The shrine entrance is an easily walked few hundred meters south from the train stations. True to its name, the shrine is built on a hill and it's a fairly steep climb all the way to the top. For a taste of medieval luxury, porters can carry you up the hill in a palanquin for even steeper prices (¥6000 and up).

Kanamaru-za (Kyu Konpira Oshibai), 241 Otsu, Kotohira-cho, +81 0877-73-3846. Tours W-M 9AM-5PM, performances by schedule. Built in 1835, this kabuki playhouse is the oldest remaining in Japan. It was designated an Important Cultural National Property in 1970. You can get a surprising amount of access to almost the entire theater, including the elevated walkway, trapdoor, revolving stage, and actors' changing rooms. English pamphlets are available. ¥500 adults, ¥300 students, ¥200 children.