Kotohira(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Takamatsu City, stay at Kotohira Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn offering private outdoor baths and access to natural sulfur springs. Located just a 5-minute walk from Kotohira Shrine, it’s ideal for pilgrims and travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion. The inn features tatami rooms with views of the Seto Inland Sea and serves seasonal kaiseki meals. Its peaceful ambiance and proximity to historic sites make it a perfect base for exploring Shikoku’s spiritual heartland.

Stay near Kotohira Station for optimal convenience. This area offers easy access to Kotohira Shrine (just 10 minutes on foot), local restaurants, souvenir shops, and several ryokans. It's well-connected by train to Takamatsu City and other parts of Kagawa Prefecture. The neighborhood retains old-town charm with quiet streets and traditional architecture, making it perfect for slow travel and experiencing rural Shikoku life.

A must-do experience is hiking the 785-step path to Kotohira Shrine, a sacred Shinto site perched on Mount Oeyama. Along the way, you’ll pass small shrines, snack stalls, and tea houses, offering a vivid glimpse into Japanese religious traditions. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss the annual Kotohira Festival in March, featuring elaborate mikoshi processions, traditional music, and fireworks—highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Takamatsu City’s hot springs are renowned for their natural sulfur-rich waters, known for soothing skin and relieving muscle fatigue. The Kotohira Onsen District features several ryokans with private open-air baths set amid wooden architecture and garden views. Try Oyado Taisho-ya, where the water comes from 300 meters underground, maintained at a steady 42°C. Many inns also offer herbal bath additives made from local ingredients, turning each soak into a holistic wellness ritual.

Yes, Takamatsu City is ideal for families. Visit the Kotohira Children’s Science Museum, which features interactive experiments and an observatory for learning about nature and space. Nearby, Seto Inland Sea cruises offer family-friendly boat tours with dolphin sightings and scenic views. Many ryokans provide kids’ yukata rentals, family meal plans, and free shuttle services. The town’s quiet, safe environment makes it perfect for children to explore and relax.

Must-try dishes include Sanuki Udon, served at Ichimensho, where handmade noodles are dipped in light bonito broth—deliciously chewy and refreshing. Sample Kotohira Mochi, a sweet rice cake made with red bean paste, often sold as a good-luck charm. For meat lovers, visit Kotohira Wagyu House for locally raised black beef grilled to perfection. End your day with a matcha latte at a traditional teahouse, savoring the calm essence of Shikoku’s culinary culture.

The easiest way is via Kotoden Railway (Kotoden Electric Railway). From Takamatsu Station, take a direct train to Kotohira Station, taking only 25 minutes with frequent departures. You can also take a taxi (~15 minutes, ~¥3,000), especially if traveling with luggage. Purchase a Kotoden One-Day Pass for unlimited rides across the network, saving money and enhancing travel flexibility.

Takamatsu City hosts vibrant seasonal festivals. The Kotohira Festival in March features grand mikoshi processions and traditional drum performances. Summer brings the Kotohira Summer Festival, with fireworks and street dances. While not in Takamatsu itself, the nearby Ritsurin Garden Light-Up Festival in autumn is worth a visit. During winter, the Kotohira Lantern Festival lights up the streets with warm red lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere—perfect for photography and cultural immersion.

Yes, Takamatsu City has excellent public transit. Kotohira Station is the terminus of the Kotoden line, connecting to Takamatsu and other destinations in Kagawa Prefecture. Local buses serve major attractions like the shrine, onsen district, and shopping areas. Consider purchasing a Kagawa County Tourist Bus Pass or Kotoden One-Day Pass for unlimited travel. The town is pedestrian- and bike-friendly, with flat roads and many ryokans offering free shuttle services.

Absolutely. The night view from Kotohira Shrine’s observation deck is breathtaking—overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and the illuminated cityscape of Takamatsu below. Strolling along the shrine’s lantern-lined path at dusk reveals a dreamlike atmosphere, with soft glows reflecting on stone steps. The Kotohira Onsen District also sparkles at night, with warm lights from wooden machiya houses. During festivals, the streets come alive with lantern displays and nighttime performances, making it a truly unforgettable experience.