20 Shrines in Kagawa worth your time

Kandani Shrine's Main Sanctuary, built in 1219, is one of Japan's oldest shrine buildings.

What it is

• Ancient shrine, records indicate founding in 812.
• Main Sanctuary constructed in 1219.
• Dedicated to Shinto deities.

What to see

• Bright red worship hall, rebuilt in 1930.
• Main Sanctuary, one of Japan's oldest shrine buildings.
• Main Sanctuary designated a National Treasure in 1955.
• Kamakura period architectural features on Main Sanctuary.
• Main Sanctuary roof covered with hinoki cypress bark shingles.
• Statue of a Shinto guardian deity, displayed on select occasions.

Getting there

• Located near the banks of the Kandani River.
• In the shadow of Mt. Shiramine.
• Between the cities of Takamatsu and Sakaide.

Address

香川県坂出市神谷町621 Map

Official site

kandani.sakura.ne.jp

Read more about Kandani Shrine

A large shrine in Kagawa dedicated to war dead, with a notable sub-shrine.

What it is

• Originated as a Shokonsha in 1898.
• Became a Gokoku Shrine in 1938.
• Enshrines over 35,700 war dead from Kagawa Prefecture.
• Its official name is Sanukigu.

What to see

• Shrine grounds cover 33,604 square meters.
• Nogi Shrine was built in 1933.
• Nogi Shrine enshrines Nogi Maresuke.
• Nogi Shrine's main hall is a registered cultural property.
• Nogi Shrine's worship hall is a registered cultural property.
• Nogi Shrine's torii is a registered cultural property.

When to go

• Mantou Natsu Matsuri is held annually in August.

Getting there

• 900m west of Zentsuji Station on the Dosan Line.

Address

香川県善通寺市文京町四丁目5番5号 Map

Official site

sanukinomiya.org

Read more about Kagawa Gokoku Shrine

Ancient shrine in Kagawa with unique cultural properties and a historic kiln site.

What it is

• Ancient Shikinaisha shrine, dating to Yayoi or Kofun period.
• Formerly a Prefectural Shrine, Ninomiya of Sanuki Province.
• Dedicated to Oominakami Daimyojin, Homutawake no Mikoto, Munakata Okami.
• Historically a site for rainmaking rituals during droughts.

What to see

• Current shrine buildings, rebuilt during the Eiroku era.
• Shigure Lantern, a Prefectural Designated Cultural Property.
• Ninomiya Kiln Site, a National Historic Site.
• Juniper tree, designated as a Prefectural Natural Monument.

Getting there

• About 15 minutes from Sanuki Toyonaka IC.

Address

香川県三豊市高瀬町羽方2677番地2 Map

Read more about Oominakami Shrine

Awai Shrine is a historic site dedicated to Amenofutodama-no-mikoto, known for its beautiful hydrangeas.

What it is

• A Myojin Taisha-ranked Shikinaisha shrine.
• One of 24 Shikinaisha shrines in Sanuki Province.
• Dedicated to the deity Amenofutodama-no-mikoto.
• Rebuilt in 1620 by Ikoma Masatoshi.

What to see

• Shrine located at the foot of Mt. Fujime.
• Sits by the Iwabe Pond.
• Approximately 3,000 hydrangeas planted on grounds.
• Current shrine building constructed in 2001.

When to go

• Ajisai Festival held on the third Sunday of June.

Getting there

• 15-minute drive from JR Yosan Line Kanonji Station.

Address

香川県観音寺市粟井町1716番地 Map

Read more about Awai Shrine

Historic shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, easily accessible for cultural events.

What it is

• A shrine in Ayagawa Town, Kagawa Prefecture.
• Founded in 948 to commemorate Sugawara no Michizane.
• Enshrines Sugawara no Michizane and Nomi no Sukune no Mikoto.
• Site of the former Sanuki provincial governor's official residence.

What to see

• Main shrine building, rebuilt in 1888.
• Treasure hall, built in 1977.
• Sacred gate, built in 1977.

When to go

• Takinomiya no Nenbutsu Odori on August 25.
• Usokae Shinto ritual on April 24.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Takinomiya Station.

Address

香川県綾歌郡綾川町滝宮1314 Map

Official site

takinomiyatenmangu.com

Read more about Takinomiya Tenmangū

Takaya Shrine offers panoramic coastal views through its stone torii, accessible by car or a one-hour climb.

What it is

• Shinto shrine on Mt. Inazumi.
• Overlooks the coastal city of Kanonji.
• More than a thousand years of history.
• Mentioned in the Engishiki, completed in 927 CE.

What to see

• Bulky stone torii gate, erected in 2009.
• Torii frames view over Kanonji city.
• View includes islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

Getting there

• Accessible by car via a recently constructed road.
• Walk from the shrine's lower hall (gegu) at mountain foot.
• Climb takes about one hour.
• Ends with a steep 270-step stone approach.

Address

香川県観音寺市高屋町2800 Map

Read more about Takaya Shrine

Ōnohara Hachiman Shrine is a historic site with unique architecture and an autumn festival.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine established in 1645.
• Originally named Ōjin-gū.
• Dedicated to three main deities.
• Also known as Ōnohara Hachiman-gū.

What to see

• Main hall and offering hall rebuilt in 1848.
• Thatch roof, one of four in Kagawa Prefecture.
• Main hall is a designated cultural property.
• Zuishinmon gate is a designated cultural property.
• Wan Kashizuka Kofun, a national historic site.
• Iwakurazuka Kofun, a national historic site.

When to go

• Autumn festival with drum floats in October.

Address

香川県観音寺市大野原町大野原1913 Map

Read more about Ōnohara Hachiman Shrine

Ancient shrine in Utazu with a unique main sanctuary and a towering rock as its original object of worship.

What it is

• Ancient shrine on a hill in Komachi, Utazu.
• Records indicate it moved to current site in 807.
• Main sanctuary moved from Ise Grand Shrine in 1974.
• Original object of worship was a towering rock.

What to see

• Concrete worship hall (haiden).
• Wooden main sanctuary (honden) from Ise Grand Shrine.
• Main sanctuary is a registered Tangible Cultural Property.
• Towering rock 5.5 meters high, 4 meters wide.
• Variety of sub-shrines on the grounds.
• Udon noodle restaurant on the grounds.

Address

香川県綾歌郡宇多津町1644 Map

Read more about Ubushina Shrine

Tsushima Shrine is a unique island shrine dedicated to children's protection, accessible only a few days a year.

What it is

• Shrine on Tsushima Island, dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
• Worshipped as a guardian deity of children.
• Main building constructed in 1706.
• Renamed Tsushima Shrine in 1952.

What to see

• The main shrine building.
• Tsushima Bridge, 250 meters long.

When to go

• Summer Grand Festival, August 3rd, 4th, and 5th.
• Tsushima Bridge is open only during the festival.

Getting there

• Tsushinomiya Station operates only on August 4th and 5th.

Address

香川県三豊市三野町大見甲6816番地2 Map

Read more about Tsushima Shrine, Mitoyo

Kotohiki Hachimangū is an ancient mountaintop shrine with a rich history and a vibrant autumn festival.

What it is

• Ancient shrine founded in 703 AD.
• Dedicated to Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and Tamayori-hime no Mikoto.
• Known for Minamoto no Yoshitsune's prayer for victory.
• Was the 68th sacred site of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.

What to see

• A wooden torii gate dedicated by Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
• Views from the summit of Mt. Kotohiki.

When to go

• Kotohiki Hachimangu Grand Festival is held every October.
• Nine taikodai floats are dedicated during the festival.

Address

香川県観音寺市八幡町1-1-1 Map

Read more about Kotohiki Hachimangū

Kogarasu Shrine is an ancient shrine on Honjima island, home to a historic playhouse and gate.

What it is

• An old shrine on Honjima, Shiwaku Islands.
• Enshrines a legendary crow.
• Dedicated to Okuninushi-no-kami and other deities.

What to see

• Torii gate built in 1627.
• Chitoseza playhouse built in 1862.
• Seireiba, a designated cultural property.
• Torii gate and Chitoseza are city cultural properties.

When to go

• Annual festival held on October 8th and 9th.

Getting there

• Accessible by ferry from Marugame Port.

Address

香川県丸亀市本島町泊670番地 Map

Read more about Kogarasu Shrine

Kumano Shrine is a unique site dedicated to the Momotaro legend, worth visiting for its historical ties.

What it is

• A shrine dedicated to the Momotaro legend.
• Known officially as Kumano Gongen.
• Also called Kumano Gongen Momotaro Shrine.
• Associated with Momotaro defeating pirates from Onigashima.

What to see

• Graves for Momotaro and his animal companions.
• A monument donated by a Nippon Ham chairman.

When to go

• Kinashi Momotaro Festival is held annually in March.

Getting there

• 13-minute walk from JR Kinashi Station.

Address

香川県高松市鬼無町鬼無848 Map

Read more about Kumano Shrine

Kigumano Shrine: a historic site dedicated to Izanami-no-mikoto, known for its sacred rice and Nagi grove.

What it is

• Dedicated to the deity Izanami-no-mikoto.
• Kukai reportedly invited Kumano Junisha Gongen.
• Zentsuji was a branch temple of Toji in mid-Heian period.

What to see

• Sacred object: unhulled rice in a small桶 called Onyuruwa.
• Sacred object placed in the portable shrine by the priest.
• Shrine grove of Nagi is a natural monument.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk west from Konzoji Station.
• Konzoji Station is on the Dosan Line.

Address

香川県善通寺市中村町138 Map

Read more about Kigumano Shrine

Shiratori Shrine honors Yamato Takeru, offering historical artifacts and a scenic pine grove.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to the spirit of Yamato Takeru.
• Rebuilt in 1664 by Matsudaira Yorishige.
• Ranked as a prefectural shrine in 1872.

What to see

• Lanterns donated by feudal lords.
• Mount Miyama, a 3.6m tall mountain.
• 40,000 tsubo wide pine grove.
• Pine grove is part of Setonaikai National Park.
• Pine grove is one of Japan's 100 White Sand and Green Pines.
• Tachi sword with Masatsune signature is an Important Cultural Property.

Address

香川県東かがわ市松原69番地 Map

Read more about Shiratori Shrine

Ōmi Shrine honors Emperor Sutoku, offering a glimpse into historical reverence and a pilgrimage route.

What it is

• Also known as Kemuri-no-Miya.
• Dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.
• Fuke Yasunori built a palace for the emperor's spirit.
• Designated a village shrine in 1872.

What to see

• Pilgrimage route to Shiramine-ryo on the grounds.
• Kasuga Shrine is located next door.
• Several subsidiary shrines, including Shiraki Shrine.
• Simple Yakushi-do hall near the parking area.
• Yakushi-do enshrines a main image carved into stone.

Address

香川県坂出市青海町759番 Map

Read more about Ōmi Shrine

Tamura Shrine, founded in 709, is a significant shrine dedicated to water deities, worth visiting for its history and treasures.

What it is

• A Myojin Taisha and Sanuki Province Ichinomiya.
• Based on water deity worship.
• Founded in 709 by Gyoki.
• Main deities are collectively called Tamura Okami.

What to see

• Sacred treasures designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
• Current main hall and inner sanctuary built in 1710.
• Inner sanctuary built over a deep well called Sadamizu-i.

When to go

• Morning market held every Sunday.

Address

香川県高松市一宮町字宮東286番地 Map

Official site

tamurajinja.com

Read more about Tamura Shrine

Kotohira-gū is a historic shrine dedicated to maritime safety, offering a rewarding climb and intricate carvings.

What it is

• A standalone shrine on the slopes of Mount Zōzu.
• Head shrine for about 600 Konpira shrines nationwide.
• Known as a guardian deity of maritime traffic.
• Main deity enshrined is Ōmononushi-no-Mikoto.

What to see

• The main approach has 1,368 stone steps.
• The current main hall was rebuilt in 1878.
• Asahi-sha building features many beautiful carvings.
• Inner shrine, Izutama Jinja, is at the top of 1,368 steps.

Address

香川県仲多度郡琴平町892-1 Map

Official site

www.konpira.or.jp

Read more about Kotohira-gū

Hakusan Shrine, at the foot of Mt. Hakusan, offers cherry blossoms and ancient deity worship.

What it is

• A candidate for the Shikinaisha Wanigawa Shrine.
• Dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto.
• Relocated from the middle to the foot of the mountain.

What to see

• Shrine grounds famous for cherry blossoms.
• Ryuo-sha and Ishizuchi Shrine stone祠 on Mt. Hakusan summit.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Hakusan Station.
• Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad Nagao Line.

Address

香川県木田郡三木町大字下高岡973番地 Map

Read more about Hakusan Shrine

Wanikawa Shrine is a historic shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, known for its large lion dance.

What it is

• One of the fifteen shrines of Sanuki.
• Dedicated to Toyotama-hime no Mikoto and Emperor Ōjin.
• Renamed Wanikawa Shrine in 1872.

What to see

• Lion head: 63cm high, 90cm wide, 100cm long.
• The lion dance is a designated cultural property.

When to go

• See the lion dance at the Miki-cho Lion Dance Festa.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from Hakusan Station.

Address

香川県木田郡三木町大字下高岡1843番地 Map

Read more about Wanikawa Shrine

Kanei Shrine is a historic site with ancient trees and a giant lion dance prop.

What it is

• Also known as Kamuro Hachimangu.
• Founded in 861 as Hozoji Temple by Enchin.
• Designated a Prefectural Shrine in 1918.
• The 7th sacred site of Sanuki Jūgo Reijō.

What to see

• Japan's largest shishi lion dance prop.
• Over 100 plant species on the grounds.
• Camphor trees over 800 years old.
• A forest designated a Natural Monument.
• Man'yoshu Tenji-bon, an Important Cultural Property.

Address

香川県高松市香南町由佐字三原1413番地 Map

Read more about Kanei Shrine