On the night of 10 October the deity of Konpira leaves the main hall and travels down into the town, carried on a gold mikoshi by a procession of around 500 people.
Overview
Kotohira-gu, known affectionately as Konpira-san, sits on the slope of Mount Zozu and has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries, particularly for sailors. Its reitaisai, or grand annual festival, is the most important rite in the shrine’s calendar.
The centrepiece is the o-sagari on 10 October, when the deity descends from the main shrine to a temporary sanctuary in the town below. Tens of thousands of people line the route each year. The atmosphere is solemn rather than boisterous – drums, lanterns, and a slow-moving column that looks lifted from a Heian scroll.
When and where
The festival is held on the same dates every year, 9 to 11 October, so in 2026 that is Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October. The night procession is on 10 October and covers roughly two kilometres, reaching the sanctuary late at night.
Nearest station: Kotoden Kotohira, or JR Kotohira, both a short walk from the approach.
Getting there
From Takamatsu, the Kotoden Kotohira line runs directly to Kotoden Kotohira Station in about an hour; JR Kotohira is reached from Takamatsu on the Dosan line in around 55 minutes by limited express. From Okayama on the mainland, the trip is roughly 90 minutes via Marugame or Tadotsu.
The shrine approach and the main hall are separated by 785 stone steps, though the procession route itself is on level ground in the town.
What to expect
The rite has been performed since before the Edo period and follows a fixed order.
- A gold mikoshi carrying the deity, escorted by roughly 500 shrine priests and attendants
- Michi-daiko drums sounding along the route through the temple town
- A procession of about two kilometres, moving slowly and arriving late at night
- Return of the deity to the main shrine on 11 October
- Lantern-lit stalls and a busy approach street throughout the three days
Tickets and admission
Free to watch, with no ticketing or paid seating. The shrine grounds are open as usual; the climb to the main hall is steep and there is no funicular, although a palanquin service is sometimes available part of the way.
Tips for visitors
The procession is best seen from the lower approach rather than at the shrine itself. Book accommodation in Kotohira or Takamatsu well ahead, since the town is small and fills up. Wear shoes you can stand in for a couple of hours on stone paving, and try the local Sanuki udon shops along the approach before the evening rite begins.
Access and map
| Dates | 9-11 October 2026 (night procession 10 October) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kotohira-gu and the temple town, Kotohira, Kagawa |
| Access | Kotoden Kotohira or JR Kotohira station, then a short walk |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association |
Source: Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association
Image: Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
