The Kotohiraguu Shrine
Japanese people visit shrines to pray for happiness for the new year. I visited the Kotohiraguu on New Year's day in 1997. Kotohiraguu (konpira-san) is a shrine which is dedicated to the god of the sea. It is located in Kotohira,Shikoku. See the atlas of Japan.
To KOTOHIRA
I went to Kotohira from Okayama. This is "Kotohiraguu Hatsumoude Ressha"(Special train for the first visit of the new year to Kotohiraguu). During the Edo period (1603-1867), boats named "Konpira-bune" plied between Osaka and Marugame (or Tadotsu).This train's today's "Konpira-bune".
I arrived at Kotohira. Kotohira is an old temple town.
When you stand in front of JR Kotohiraguu station, you can see this scene. You can see Mount "Zouzu-san" in the distance. Kotohiraguu is located at Mount Zouzu-san.
This is "Taka Dourou"(High sacred lantern) in "Kita Jin En"(The north park of the shrine). It was built in 1860, and also used as a lighthouse.
This is "Saya Bashi (Bridge)" in "Minami Jin En"(The south park of the shrine). There are over "Kanakura Gawa (River)".This unique bridge has a roof.
OMOTE SANDOU (the front aproach to a shrine)
I'm walking along "Omote Sandou". There are a lot of shops. This is "Udon-ya"(Noodle Shop). Udon is the special product of this (Sanuki) district.
This is a Japanese-style Inn, "Shikishima-ya". Very old inn. Of course there are many Western-style inns or hotels in Japan. But I recommend Japanese-style inns. Because you can experience Japanese unique life.
"Kyuuman Honpo Ishidanya".It is too difficult to translate it into English. Do you know "Manjuu"? This ia a Manjuu Shop. Manjuu is a kind of bun (or cake). "Kyuuman" is a very famous Manjuu here in Kotohira.
A photographer's. You notice decorations on ceiling. This is one of New Year's Decorations, "Shimekazari". New Year's decorations are made to welcome in the gods at the beginning of the year. They consist of propitious decorations.
"Ishidan Kago"(a basket on stone steps). You can enjoy a novel experience.
KOTOHIRAGUU
Stone steps. You must go up the steps to go to "Honguu"(The main shrine). Steps are 785!! Good luck to you!!
"Oomon"(Big gate). 5 candy shops called "Gonin Byakushou" sell "Kamiyo Ame"(God's Candies).
A votive propeller (screw). You can see this shrine is dedicated to the god of the sea.
"Shinme"(God's horse). And you can see "Kagamimochi". It is one of New Year's Decorations. Daidai, Rice cake and Hanshi (Rice paper).
This is "Torii"(placed at the entrance to indicate a sacred zone).
"Goshoin"(left) and "Okushoin"(right). These buildings have many fine arts.
"Asahino Yashiro". But this is not the main shrine. It was built in 1837.
How far do these steps go?
The main shrine
At last I reached the main shrine! I tell you the way to worship at a shrine.
1.Throw coins into the saisenbako box and ring the bell.
2.Bow slowly twice.
3.Clap hands twice.
4.Bow again. That's all.
Very simple. This is Japanese-style.
Japanese language. Vertically written sentences should be read from top to bottom and from the right line to the left line. (Horizontally written sentences should be read from left to right.)
The second act
But this was not the end. According to the guide stone, there is "Okunoyashiro"ahead. I decided to go there.
Translation: Right, the way to "Okunoyashiro".
This is "Shiramine Jinja". It is not "Okunoyashiro".
How far do these steps go? Oh Moses! Is this the 11th commandment? :-) I lost my breath.
This is "Okunoyashiro"(The inner shrine). 1368 stone steps!! This is the real end.
EMADOU (the shrine of votive pictures)
When you go on board Japanese ships, you will find these wooden charm of a god in bridges.
This is "Emadou"."Ema" is votive picture used for protection or making a safe voyage.
After the visit
Sanuki udon
* Sanuki udon
Noodles made from wheat dough. Served with hot soup and topped with a raw egg or a tempura.
You can see red fans, "Marugame Uchiwa". Special products in this district.
Kabuki theater
This is "Kamanaru-za", one of kabuki theaters. Maybe you know Kabuki. Kabuki is one of Japan's main traditional theater forms. It originated in the early Edo period, when a woman called Okuni of Izumo Taisha performed a Buddhist dance in Kyoto. This is an old theater.
The End
(Appendix)
Sanuki Zouzu-san (Hiroshige Ando)
01/07/08