Soothe your tired feet from climbing the stone steps at Konpira onsen! 6 recommended ryokan and hotels for solo travelers

Kotohira Shrine in Kagawa, affectionately known as "Konpira-san," has been worshipped since ancient times as the god of the sea who grants prayers for good catches and bountiful harvests. The famous shrine is the long stone staircase, with 785 steps from the entrance to the shrine to the main shrine and 1,368 steps to the inner shrine! It's hard to climb, but if you look back, you'll be greeted with an expansive view. If you manage to make it to the top, you'll be filled with a sense of accomplishment and exhilaration.

After visiting Kotohira Shrine, your feet will be sore from the long stone steps. When that happens, take your time to soothe your tired body at Konpira onsen, located at the foot of the stairs! This relatively new onsen area was discovered in the late 1990s, and there are many modern hot onsen inns around the approach to Kotohira Shrine. Not only will you be able to soothe your tiredness, but you'll also be able to experience the atmosphere of the temple town up close, making your trip even more fulfilling.

In this article, we will introduce you to ryokan and hotels in Konpira onsen that are OK for solo travelers. We have selected these hotels with a focus on cleanliness so that solo female travelers can have a comfortable stay. Choose the type of lodging that suits you and enjoy your trip.

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Shikishimakan is ryokan that opened in 2019. The building was renovated based on the Shikishimakan, a registered tangible cultural property, and is full of the atmosphere of a long-established ryokan. You can enjoy a relaxing stay while feeling the Japanese atmosphere. The location is also attractive, facing the main approach to Kotohira Shrine. There are many souvenir shops and meal on the approach. Why not leave your luggage at the inn and enjoy sightseeing?

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The "Japanese double" rooms in the main building are perfect for solo travelers. They are reasonably priced, yet clean and stylish! There is also a relaxing space with a sofa and low table, so you can relax comfortably. Also, all rooms are equipped with a coffee mill. Being able to enjoy freshly ground coffee whenever you want is a little luxury.

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Onyado Shikishimakan has a wide selection of free snacks. Try warabimochi before dinner. The refined sweetness of wasanbon sugar will satisfy your hunger. After the bath, try some popsicles, and for a late-night snack, try ramen! You'll probably end up eating too much!

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The large communal bath has an indoor cypress bath and sauna where you can enjoy onsen. The open-air bath uses heated water, but you can also warm up in atmospheric tubs such as a barrel bath, a rock bath, and a reclining bath. The modern space will allow you to comfortably soothe your tired body after visiting the shrine.

The meal is not a private room, but each seat is separated by a wall and has a sense of privacy. Dinner is a multi-course meal made with seafood and Kagawa vegetables. You can enjoy a menu that values the season, such as kamarice, whose contents change with the seasons.

Kotone is a hot onsen ryokan that boasts six private baths. It is a casual ryokan you can stay at a relatively reasonable price, but the relaxing atmosphere of an adult hideaway means you can enjoy a quiet stay.

The rooms, which were renovated in 2019, are stylish and clean. For solo travelers, we recommend the compact and reasonably priced "twin bedroom." All rooms have a bathroom, toilet, and shower, so you can relax in comfort. The beds are spacious semi-doubles, so you can relax and unwind after a long day.

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There are six private onsen baths in the building, each with its own unique atmosphere, which you can use free of charge 24 hours a day if they are available. It's a luxury to be able to relax in onsen without being disturbed by anyone.

The "Wa no Yu" bath has special tatami mats laid out in the washing area. The feel of the tatami mats is fresh and comfortable, making your bathing time even more enjoyable.

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Dinner is the inn's original kaiseki cuisine, served in a newly renovated, stylish restaurant. You can enjoy local delicacies such as seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and shabu-shabu made with pork from Kagawa. Kagawa beef steak is thick and juicy. One bite and you'll be smiling without even realizing it.

"Koubai-tei" is a luxurious onsen inn where you can enjoy two different types of hot springs. When you check in, you will be greeted with tea and sweets, which will help you relax and unwind after your visit to the shrine.

Koubai-tei offers accommodation plans for solo travelers, so you can stay here with peace of mind even if you are traveling alone. The rooms are compact Japanese-style rooms or Japanese-Western style rooms. The Rakuwa Twin room, which has a Japanese-style bed, has a stylish interior and is sure to lift your spirits. It also comes with a massage chair, making it a luxurious option! Massage your entire body to relieve your fatigue.

There are three baths in the hotel: "Hana Sumika" with its pleasant woody scent, "Hana Terrace" overlooking the garden, and "Hana Club" where you can enjoy a private bath. There are two types of hot spring water: chloride onsen and simple spring. "Hana Roten" with roses floating in it at night and orchids in the morning is very gorgeous and soothing to the soul. Why not change into a yukata and enjoy a leisurely tour of the hotel's baths?

Dinner can be enjoyed in a modern Japanese restaurant or in private dining room. The restaurant "Kappo Dining Maruchu" has a live kitchen style that creates a sense of realism. The specialty is "Sankaihorakuyaki" made with beef and seafood. It is grilled on the spot to a juicy finish, which will whet your appetite. Try it with Kotohira's specialty garlic miso or Seto's Mashio Kuro Shichimi!

There are various relaxation spaces within the building, such as a coffee shop, a bar lounge, stylish shops, and a rest area. It's also fun to just wander around the building at your leisure between baths or after dinner.

Kotohira Kadan is a long-established ryokan that was founded 400 years ago. It is said that writers such as Mori Ogai have stayed here. The beautiful Japanese garden is dotted with elegant buildings, allowing you to lose track of time and spend your time in luxury.

The Garden Lounge, which overlooks the Japanese garden, is modern and sophisticated. With soothing jazz music playing, it feels like a luxury hotel in the city. It also comes equipped with a library, foot bath, massage chairs, and more, so you can spend a fulfilling time here.

"Kiccho-no-Yu" is a bathhouse with a great view overlooking the Sanuki Plain and Mt. Iino. The bamboo forest in front of the open-air bath is lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere. You can forget about your daily life and truly relax. After the bath, why not relax your body with a traditional Thai massage, said to be "the most comfortable massage in the world".

The guest rooms vary in style depending on the building. The photo shows a room in "Fujimidai," which was renovated in 2018. While retaining the atmosphere of a long-established ryokan, the room has been tastefully decorated with modern furniture. There is a private open-air bath, so you can bathe without being disturbed by anyone. Enjoy some solitude while gazing at the Asan Mountains in the distance.

Kagawa is home to many unique and delicious ingredients, such as the brand meat "Olive Pork" and seafood raised in the mineral-rich Seto Inland Sea. Enjoy the rich ingredients in a carefully prepared Japanese course meal. If you are worried about being seen by others in a restaurant, we recommend the plan that includes in-in-room dining for breakfast and dinner.

Kotosankaku is a large onsen hotel where you can enjoy the open view. When you arrive, you will be greeted by a glass-walled lobby and a view of the mountains. Take a breather in front of the magnificent view and let the tension of your trip melt away.

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If you're looking to treat yourself, we recommend the luxurious Hiten-no-Yakata room. This spacious Japanese-style room with a great view comes with a private open-air bath. Sit in a massage chair by the window and enjoy the view of the small garden, spending some time relaxing and rejuvenating yourself.

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There are various baths in the hotel, so you can enjoy bathing at your leisure. Each bath is spacious, so you can stretch your arms and legs and relax your body. The open-air bath at Hiten-no-Yakata, which is exclusive to guests staying at the hotel, is full of a sense of openness. The view from the bath is magnificent, and will blow away your fatigue and stress. At Sansui-no-Yakata, you can enjoy a luxurious bath with roses floating in it. Relax with the elegant rose scent.

The food is very filling, so even the most greedy women will be satisfied! In addition to dishes made with luxurious ingredients such as meat and fish, you can also enjoy simple local cuisine typical of Kagawa.

"Yumoto Yachiyo" is a long-established ryokan that has been in business for nearly 300 years since the mid-Edo period. It has a charm that matches the atmosphere of Konpira-san, and you can relax and enjoy your stay. It is located in the center of onsen town, so it is convenient for strolling around.

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In the open-air bath on the rooftop, you can enjoy onsen while looking out at Konpirasan and the Sanuki Plain. Taking a deep breath in the open view will instantly blow away the fatigue of your travels. The spring quality is called "bicarbonate earth spring," and it is said to be effective for gout and beautiful skin.

If you are traveling alone, we recommend a Japanese-style room with the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese ryokan. There are various types available, from the standard 8 tatami mat room to the more affordable 4.5 tatami mat room. After warming up in onsen, why not relax on the traditional tatami mat?

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Dinner is a multi-course meal. The great thing about it is that there are many course options! There is a wide variety, including courses with local Wagyu beef steak as the main dish, seafood-focused courses, and courses that include local dishes such as Sanuki udon noodles. Enjoy the food of your choice and be completely satisfied.

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Konpira onsen. After you're exhausted from climbing up and down the stone steps, a soak in onsen feels especially good. Relax in the bath and let your feet relax♪ There are many different types of ryokan, so be sure to choose one that suits you best and enjoy your trip to the fullest.