Stairway to Shrine Heaven at Kotohira

#summervacay Alright, let’s talk about Kotohira Shrine (aka Konpira-san) in Kagawa Prefecture, aka the shrine with a ton of stairs. Like, seriously, over 700 just to the main shrine and 1,300+ if you're going all the way. But don’t let that scare you, it’s weirdly fun and the views totally make it worth it. The path up is lined with little shops selling snacks, souvenirs, and good luck charms, so you can totally take your time and snack your way up (highly recommend the udon). The vibe gets more peaceful the higher you go, with the sounds of bells, birds, and your own heavy breathing. When you finally reach the top, it feels like you conquered something big, and the view over the town and sea? So good. Plus, the shrine itself is gorgeous and full of that old-Japan charm. My legs were crying the next day but my heart was full. Totally one of those “worth it” moments.