If you're going to Kotohira Shrine, stay at Kotohira onsen! 8 recommended hotels and ryokan [Kagawa]

Nicknamed "Konpira-san", Kagawa 's "Golden Sword Hira Palace". In addition to navigation safety, it is said to have benefits such as a bountiful harvest of five grains and prosperous business. It is located on the side of a mountain called Mt. Zozu, so the view from the observatory is spectacularIt is one of the most popular power spots in Kagawa, ♪ and it is famous for its long stone steps of 785 steps to the main shrine and a total of 1,368 steps to Okusha. The more you sweat and climb the stairs, the more you will benefit, won't it?

Going up and down the long stone steps of Konpira-san will leave you exhausted... Once you've finished worshiping and are enveloped in a pleasant sense of fatigue, the best thing to do is stay overnight at Kotohira onsen, which is close to Konpira-san, and thoroughly soothe your fatigue from the inside out. In this article, we'll introduce some recommended hotels and ryokan from among the inns lined up in the historic Kotohira onsen.

Located about a 15-minute walk from Kotohira Station and accessible by free shuttle bus, Kotohira Kadan is a long-established ryokan with a distinctive detached sukiya-style building. It has a history of about 400 years, and it is said that the literary master Mori Ogai and the poet Kitahara Hakushu also visited in the past. You can spend a blissful time looking out at Sanuki Fuji and the old townscape of Kotohira from the large observation bath.

There are various types of guest rooms, including Japanese-style rooms and those with open-air baths. The photo shows Choseiden, the most prestigious of the three detached buildings. Spending time in the solemn atmosphere decorated with "Kanzan and Jittoku" by Horie Yorinao, will remind you of the Japanese spirit that you may have forgotten in your busy daily life. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you can feel refreshed in both body and mind.

In addition to the large public bath, onsen are two private open-air baths. Relax and soothe your tired body in this famous hot spring, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best onsen in Japan." The photo shows the large public bath, "Kissho-no-Yu," surrounded by a bamboo forest. The lit-up atmosphere at night is truly fantastic. Why not try to calm your mind in this extraordinary space while listening to the sound of bamboo swaying in the wind?

Enjoy meal in the main dining area while gazing at the garden. Depending on your room type, you may be able to in-room dining. The dishes are filled with the flavors of Kagawa, including Sanuki beef, olive pork, and Sanuki Cochin chicken, all of which have been raised in the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea, as well as freshly caught fish.

Located about a 5-minute walk from Kotohira Station, Koubai-tei is a large-scale ryokan with a garden pool. With 15 different types of onsen to enjoy across three areas, Hana Terrace, Hana Club, and Hana Sumika, it's perfect for people who want to thoroughly enjoy bathing. In addition to the large public bath where you can enjoy the hot spring water, there is also a lineup of baths that are irresistible for hot onsen lovers, including a cypress bath and an open-air flower bath.

As you would expect from a large-scale ryokan, you can choose from a variety of room styles, including Sukiya-style, Japanese modern, Zen, and Oriental chic. The VIP room "Sukiya-style Space" shown in the photo is a sophisticated room that exudes a nostalgic yet dignified elegance with furnishings placed throughout, and is recommended for adult women.

In the women's bath, you can enjoy different kinds of flowers, such as roses and orchids, depending on the time of day. If you soak in the hot water while taking in the scent of flowers, your heart will be filled with happiness and you will think, "I'm glad to be born a woman." After the bath, relax in your room while taking in the scent of flowers.

The food served at the auberge-style dining restaurant "Kappo Dining Maruchu," with its 300-year-old beams, is exceptional. Enjoy beautifully presented seasonal Shikoku cuisine prepared by the head chef, who has been awarded the "Contemporary Master Craftsman" and "Yellow Ribbon Medal." The original soy sauce tofu hotpot is served right in front of you, and the natural sweetness of the tofu will soothe your tired body.

Sakura no Sho is located about a 5-minute walk from Kotohira Station. Relax in the rose bath (exclusive to the ladies' bath) and the Japanese modern and sophisticated guest rooms, and you're sure to feel lifted. Enjoy a luxurious time in a sophisticated space.

Guests can choose from a variety of Japanese-Western style rooms to suit their tastes. The photo shows "Bettei Hatsune," which comes with an open-air bath. You can enjoy a special feeling in your own private space while looking out at the nostalgic streets of Kotohira. There are also Japanese-Western style rooms that express the world of Kabuki.

The open-air bath attached to the large public bath is a luxurious space where you can relax and forget about your daily life. It will slowly relieve the fatigue of your visit to the shrine. The fresh breeze that flows from Konpira-san is also very pleasant. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let the fresh air fill your body, and you will feel happy from the inside out.

For dinner, we went to the observation restaurant "Ikiri" and enjoyed the view of Kotohira townscape. We served the chef's original Japanese-style kaiseki cuisine. It's also nice that it's served fresh from the open kitchen. Please enjoy the exquisite meal with a visually appealing dish made with an abundance of seasonal ingredients.

Kotohira Onsen Onsen Shikishimakan has a retro and solemn appearance, using old materials from the old Shikishimakan, which was once designated as a registered tangible cultural property. It is about an 8-minute walk from Kotohira Station, facing the main approach to Kotohira onsen. There are plenty of baths, including indoor baths, open-air baths, and waterfall baths, and you can use the private baths and foot baths for free.

The retro exterior of the hotel betrays your expectations in a good way, as the modern rooms combine Japanese and Western styles. Sink into the fluffy beds and your tired body will be soothed after climbing up and down the long stone steps, allowing you to sleep soundly until the morning. Why not spend some adult time in a relaxing space?

The hotel has a large public bath and four private baths where you can relax and unwind your tired body. After warming up your body in the large public bath, you can relax in the calming open-air bath while feeling the breeze outside. The private baths are also recommended for those who want to enjoy some time alone. The system does not require reservations, so anyone can just drop in when they feel like it, as long as there is availability.

Kaiseki, where you can taste high-quality seasonal cuisine, is particular about not only the ingredients but also the tableware. Enjoy small portions of dishes made with delicate and seasonal ingredients. For a late-night snack, free midnight noodles are available in the meal area. Even if you're not hungry, you'll find yourself craving a simple soy sauce ramen.

Located about a 5-minute walk from Kotohira Station, Kotosankaku boasts a great location close to the main approach to Konpira Shrine. The stately yet elegant appearance of the inn is a highlight. The open-air observation bath, exclusively for guests of Hitenkan, is popular for its luxurious space where you can enjoy the magnificent view that stretches out before you.

The view of greenery spreading out across the windows makes it seem like an adult hideaway. After relaxing in the bath, relax in your room, feeling the warmth of the wood and tatami mats in the guest room. The quiet space where only the sounds of nature can be heard is sure to encourage lively conversation.

The view from the observation bath "Yakumo no Yu" is truly spectacular. Only guests staying at Hitenkan can use it, so you can enjoy the bath and the view at your leisure without it being crowded. Why not reminisce about your travel memories while gazing at the townscape spreading out below you?

The banquet course meal, which includes steamed Sanuki olive beef shabu-shabu and simmered spring mebari, is very filling. You'll be moving around a lot and burning off the calories, so you won't feel guilty even if you eat until you're full. Use all five senses to enjoy the delicious flavor of olive-fed beef shabu-shabu.

Konpira onsen Yumoto Yachiyo is located about a 7-minute walk from Kotohira Station. It is a long-established ryokan that has been in business since the Edo period, and although it has a stately atmosphere, the renovated rooms and baths are clean and comfortable. The open-air bath on the rooftop allows you to feel free from the everyday. Colorful yukata are available for rental for women, so one of the fun things to do is to stroll around the town in a yukata.

The photo shows the special guest room "Ogatama" with a semi-open-air bath. The lighting and greenery used are very stylish, so even a casual photo can look like a painting. A stay in a room with such design is sure to become a special memory that you will never forget.

If you come to Yachiyo, be sure to try the open-air rooftop bath, which overlooks Konpirasan. After warming up in the bathtub, you can sit back in a chair and relax while feeling the breeze. The hot onsen contains bicarbonate earth, which is said to be good for the skin, so it will also leave your skin feeling smooth and silky.

Dinner is a kaiseki meal that allows you to fully enjoy the delicious foods of Kagawa. It's nice to be able to enjoy a good balance of meat and seafood. By eating seasonal ingredients, you will be able to feel energized from the inside out. Depending on the season, you can also enjoy a course that includes Sanuki udon. Even people visiting from outside the prefecture can easily enjoy the local specialties.

About a 7-minute walk from Kotohira Station, "Konpira Onsen Kashikiri Yunoyado Kotone" is an inn located at the foot of Mt. Konpira, with a modern Japanese entrance that will make your heart leap the moment you step inside. As the name "private bath inn" suggests, you can freely enjoy the hot springs in the six onsen baths within the building during your stay. You can also use the baths at the sister ryokan "Konpira onsen Yumoto Yachiyo," located about a 1-minute walk away, so it's recommended for those who want to enjoy onsen hot onsen to the fullest.

There are only 18 guest rooms in total, so it is perfect for those who want to relax in peace and quiet. Some of the rooms even come with a Japanese-Western style bath.

The bath in the photo is one of six private baths, "Ao no Yu." Its rare Taisho-era romantic design will lift your spirits. There are also six other baths with different themes, including a bath made entirely from mulberry wood and a bath with cherry-colored stones and tiles that will tickle your fancy. Try out the bath that catches your eye.

This "Kotohira Park Hotel" is not in "Kotohira onsen", but it is a gateway to "Konpira Shrine", and is about a 15-minute walk from "Konpira Omotesando". It has an observation bath, a manga corner, and 24-hour free coffee service, and is a reasonably priced inn with excellent value for money, so we're introducing it as an extra. It is about a 15-minute walk from JR "Kotohira Station", making it an ideal location for sightseeing. There are supermarkets and convenience stores in the surrounding area, making it convenient for sudden shopping.

There are various types of rooms available, from single to triple rooms, but the "K-park Bunk Bed Fourth Room" can accommodate up to four people and is recommended for girls' group trips. Equipped with bunk beds, it gives you the excitement of a secret hideout. There is also a shared kitchen where you can do simple cooking, and you can enjoy cooking using local ingredients. There is also a shared living room, providing a spacious space where you can relax.

On the 8th floor there is an observation bath overlooking the Sanuki Plain. The women's bath has a cute accent mural featuring the traditional Japanese pattern of hemp leaves and the Kotohira town flower, the cherry blossom. The view is particularly spectacular when the morning sun shines in, making it a pleasant morning bath to enjoy. There is also a coin laundry on-site, so you can rest assured even if you are staying multiple nights. Relax and unwind after a long day of travel in a clean and comfortable space.

Breakfast is a Japanese-Western style buffet that can be enjoyed in the lobby restaurant on the first floor. Dishes made with fresh local ingredients are lined up, and the croissants in particular are said to be exquisite. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and start your day sightseeing in Kagawa invigorating!

There are many attractive hotels and ryokan around Kotohira Shrine. Why not stay at Kotohira onsen which was chosen as one of the "Top 100 onsen in Japan," and relax and soothe your fatigue? The power you get from Konpira Shrine and the healing effects of onsen will make this a refreshing adult trip.