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KOTOHIRA-GU KOTOHIRA-GU SHRINE

Blessings from the God of the Sea
Tradition and History Meet in Kotohira

Known affectionately as Konpira, Kotohira-gu Shrine is the abode of both the god Omononushi-no-kami and the Emperor Sutoku. They are jointly known as Konpira-no-ookami-sama, or the Great Gods of Konpira. Omononushi-no-kami is a sea deity worshiped widely by many faithful as an all-powerful god.

THE HISTORY OF KOTOHIRA KADAN Over 400 years of history

Kotohira Kadan first opened in 1627 as an inn for travelers visiting Konpira-san, although it would be more than 300 years before it would be known by this name. In 1905, the 16th proprietor of Bizen-ya (Kadan's former name), Miyoshi Genjiro, converted the inn into several cottages and it became a full-fledged ryokan. Its crowning glory was its beautiful Japanese garden, and the cottages were tucked here and there throughout the landscape. Kotohira Kadan's reputation grew, and over the years, it welcomed many writers and intellectuals on their visits to Konpira. Artists and calligraphers were also invited to stay, too. They left behind many exquisite traces of their time in Kotohira. Kotohira Kadan has evolved to accommodate modern luxuries over the years, but its original charm and tradition has been carefully preserved.

WOODBLOCK PRINTS BY KAMEI TOBEI

These woodblock prints by Kamei Tobei were presented by Kotohira Kadan to their guests so everyone can appreciate their beauty. Master Kamei has carefully depicted Mt. Kotohira, the townscape, and Kotohira Kadan.

CHRONOLOGY

1627	First established as a traveler's inn called Bizen-ya.
1904	Russo-Japanese war begins(ends in September 1905).
1905	16th owner Miyoshi Genjiro opens the villa Kotohira Kadan as a traditional Japanese cuisine hotel.
1908	Renowned author Mori Ogai stays.
1909	Mori Ogai publishes the novel Konpira.
1931	Author Yosano Akiko and her husband Tekkan stay.
1935	Poet Kitahara Hakushu stays.
1936	Poet and playwright Yoshi Isamu stays.
1939	Author Ibuse Masuji stays.
1951	Choseiden is moved from Tadotsu Town to Kotohira Kadan. Kotohira Kadan is registered as No.21 on the list of international tourist hotels by the Japanese government.
1953	His Imperial Highness Prince Takamatsu stays.
1964	The Tokaido Shinkansen opnes, as does the Tokyo Olympics. The structure of the main building is converted from wood to reinforced iron. The great hall with 120 mats is completed.
1970	Expo'70, Japan World Exposition, is held in Osaka. The structure of Sansuikaku is converted from wood to reinforced iron.
1975	The Sanyo Shinkansen between Okayama and Hakata opens.
1977	The public bath, the wedding hall, 10 rooms in Fujimidai, and the banquet room with 90 mats in Sansuikaku are completed.
1988	The Seto Ohashi Bridge is completed. Fujimidai is expanded to 5th and 6th floors, with 20 rooms added on.
2008	The main building is renovated and renamed Shogetsu Terrace. The Garden Lounge, guest rooms, and private bath are completed on the third floor. Fujimidai and the public bath are also renovated. A Thai-style massage salon also opens in a separate building.
2012	8 rooms in Sansuikaku are remodeled.
2013	Choseiden and Enjukaku are remodeled.
2016	The murals on sliding doors in Choseiden are appraised by experts.
2018	Fujimidai renewal
2019	Sansuikaku's grand renewal renovation, rooms with open-air baths, Private bath Mori no Yu completed, Japanese rooms renovated
2023	More guest rooms with open-air baths added to the Sansuikaku

1627	First established as a traveler's inn called Bizen-ya.
1904	Russo-Japanese war begins(ends in September 1905).
1905	16th owner Miyoshi Genjiro opens the villa Kotohira Kadan as a traditional Japanese cuisine hotel.
1908	Renowned author Mori Ogai stays.
1909	Mori Ogai publishes the novel Konpira.
1931	Author Yosano Akiko and her husband Tekkan stay.
1935	Poet Kitahara Hakushu stays.
1936	Poet and playwright Yoshi Isamu stays.
1939	Author Ibuse Masuji stays.
1951	Choseiden is moved from Tadotsu Town to Kotohira Kadan. Kotohira Kadan is registered as No.21 on the list of international tourist hotels by the Japanese government.
1953	His Imperial Highness Prince Takamatsu stays.
1964	The Tokaido Shinkansen opnes, as does the Tokyo Olympics. The structure of the main building is converted from wood to reinforced iron. The great hall with 120 mats is completed.
1970	Expo'70, Japan World Exposition, is held in Osaka. The structure of Sansuikaku is converted from wood to reinforced iron.

1975	The Sanyo Shinkansen between Okayama and Hakata opens.
1977	The public bath, the wedding hall, 10 rooms in Fujimidai, and the banquet room with 90 mats in Sansuikaku are completed.
1988	The Seto Ohashi Bridge is completed. Fujimidai is expanded to 5th and 6th floors, with 20 rooms added on.
2008	The main building is renovated and renamed Shogetsu Terrace. The Garden Lounge, guest rooms, and private bath are completed on the third floor. Fujimidai and the public bath are also renovated. A Thai-style massage salon also opens in a separate building.
2012	8 rooms in Sansuikaku are remodeled.
2013	Choseiden and Enjukaku are remodeled.
2016	The murals on sliding doors in Choseiden are appraised by experts.
2018	Fujimidai renewal
2019	Sansuikaku's grand renewal renovation, rooms with open-air baths, Private bath Mori no Yu completed, Japanese rooms renovated
2023	More guest rooms with open-air baths added to the Sansuikaku

An inn logbook from the early Showa period.

THE HISTORICAL MATERIALS Records that Remain

From its grand opening during the Meiji period, Kotohira Kadan has enjoyed the patronage of some of early modern Japan's most illustrious luminaries. Many high-ranking military offcials came to worship at Kotohira-gu Shrine during war tims. Among these are Admiral Yonai Mitsumasa of the Imperial Japanese Navy (who later became the 37th Prime Minister) and also the great General Nogi Maresuke, one of Japan's most enduring heroic figures. Many early modern literary greats also have stayed at Kadan, such as Mori Ogai, Kitahara Hskushu, Yosano Akiko, and Ibuse Masuji. Kadan has also hosted members of the Imperial family.

THE HISTORICAL MATERIALS Records that Remain

The pines are green, the maples are red/ I've come here to Kotohira's Kadan/ And the people, I won't forget…
By Mori Ogai

In Mori Ogai's Konpira, the protagonist, Dr. Ono visits Kotohira for work and is recommended a visit to Kotohira-gu shrine. Feeling homesick, he returns to Tokyo without completing the pilgrimage, but the inn he stays at is Kotohira Kadan. In 1908, Mori Ogai came to Kagawa on a health inspection while he was the Surgeon General of the Imperial Japanese Army and stayed at Kotohira Kadan for three days. The following year, he published Konpira. At the entrance of our main spa Kissho no Yu, visitors can find a calligraphy display of a poem by Mori Ogai. The calligrapher is Ohkouchi Gyosui, though the words are the famous writer's from his visit to Kotohira Kadan.

The pines are green, the maples are red/ I've come here to Kotohira's Kadan/ And the people, I won't forget… By Mori Ogai

KOTOHIRA KADAN'S
"THE HISTORY OF KOTOHIRA KADAN"
DIGITAL BOOK