Tea Picking Trail

Nearby sightseeing spots

• 1

  Kotohiragu Shrine

  This shrine is located halfway up Mt. Zozu. The deities enshrined at the main shrine are Omononushi no Kami and Emperor Sutoku. Since ancient times, they have been worshiped as gods of agriculture, fortune, medicine, and maritime safety. There are 785 stone steps from the entrance of the approach road to the main shrine and 1,368 stone steps to the inner shrine. The route is dotted with buildings designated as important cultural properties and Homotsukan museums housing works of art. The townscape has a retro atmosphere and is crowded with tourists visiting the Konpira Shrine throughout the year. The back approach road changes with the seasons. It has cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer, and trees turning in beautiful fall colors in autumn. The eternal flow of time continues quietly. There are also many attractions in the surrounding area, including the old Konpira Grand Theatre (Kanamaru-za), the Marine Science Museum, and Prefectural Kotohira Park.

• 2

  Iyo-Tosa Highway/Ushiya Exit

  This is the southern entrance to the Kotohiragu Konpira Shrine. Located on the south side of Mt. Zozu, the Torii gate and 68 stone lanterns still remain, making this walking trail that retains its old charm a highlight of the place. It is said that Shinsaku Takasugi, a historical figure, traveled and escaped along this road to Hagi. Ryoma Sakamoto also used to travel on this road.
  

• 3

  Umenomiya-san

  Officially known as the Umeno Shrine, it is located at a slight elevation. Many worshippers have been visiting this shrine since ancient times as it enshrines the deity for safe childbirth. Be sure to visit the shrine as some unusual customs are followed here.

• 4

  Natural Monument "Asabe Shrine Grove" (Asabejinja)

  This shrine grove is home to many giant and thriving trees. There are a variety of trees in the grove, such as Hinoki cypress, Japanese cedar, and Kurogane holly. However, there are many Isunoki trees (Distylium racemosum) in particular, which have been designated as a natural monument by the Prefecture. Isunoki is also known as the Hyonoki. It is so called because when you blow into the insect galls (a gall that is hollow and has an opening for aphids to escape) that form on the stems and leaves such as the large sphere-shaped nodes on the branches of the Isunoki, they make a whistling sound.

• 5

  Takase Tea Plantation

  Takase-cho, Mitoyo City is a tea-producing area that accounts for approximately 80% of Kagawa Prefecture's production and is the birthplace of the famous Takase tea. The southern hilly area, centered around the Ninomiya district, is filled with expansive tea plantations. You can walk around the tea plantations and try your hand at picking tea at the "Takase Ninomiya Furusato Festival" which is held every year in April, in the first tea season.

• 6

  Nagamine-jinja Shrine (Nagaminejinja)

  You can refresh yourself while feeling the pleasant breeze in a natural environment, surrounded by Yamamomo trees (bayberry trees).
  

• 7

  Ominakami Shrine (Kagawa Prefecture Green Environmental Conservation Area)

  Enshrining the god of water and worshipped since ancient times, the shrine is listed as the second one in Sanuki Province in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (register of shrines in Japan). The Ominakami Shrine complex has an evergreen broad-leaved forest consisting mainly of Japanese Chinquapin and Japanese oak trees and has been designated as a Green Environmental Conservation Area in Kagawa Prefecture. In addition, the Miyagawa River, which has been selected as one of "Kagawa's 50 Aquatic Environments to be Preserved," flows through the shrine grounds. There are many attractions to visit in this place, and some of the highlights are the "Amagoi ritual" to pray for rain, the "Unagibuchi (Eel Pond)" from the enduring legend of Ugani, the "Ninomiya Kiln ruins," a historical site designated by the country as a valuable cultural property, and "Ninomiya Nezu," a natural monument in Kagawa Prefecture. You can refresh your mind and body while experiencing the beautiful nature and history of this place.