Beautiful 785-step Japanese shrine sando stairway walk is one very good reason to visit Kagawa
A sweaty, but unforgettable, visit to Kompirasan. The streets called sando are a unique part of Japanese cityscapes. Sando are the paths that lead to shrines and temples, and because visitors often have secular needs and desires too, they’re often lined with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. And while you will find those things on […]
A sweaty yet unforgettable visit to Kompirasan reveals a unique aspect of Japanese cityscapes: the sando stairways. These paths, leading to shrines and temples, often feature shops, cafes, and souvenir stalls. At Kompirasan in Kagawa Prefecture, visitors face 785 stone steps to reach its main building. Located in Kotohira (officially called Kotohiragu), the stairs are called Kompira Omotesando.
Upon arriving at the station, a 10-minute walk leads to the start of the sando. Along the way, visitors encounter shops, restaurants, and even a hot spring bathhouse. Unique rental sticks are available for 100 yen, with payment and return handled on a trust system. The initial ascent feels like strolling through a charming neighborhood, but the temperature exceeding 95°F (35°C) and the absence of shade make perspiration a persistent issue.
Despite the heat, landmarks like the Daimon gate at Step 365 provide visual rewards, keeping spirits high. While the climb isn't a grueling mountain ascent, it's still a workout, and many visitors use umbrellas and water bottles to stay cool during the ascent.
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