kids encyclopedia robot

Kotohira, Kagawa facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Kotohira
City
Map of Kagawa Prefecture showing Kotohira
Map of Kagawa Prefecture showing Kotohira
Country Japan
Region Shikoku
Prefecture Kagawa Prefecture
District Nakatado
Area
 • Total 8.46 km2 (3.27 sq mi)
Population
 • Total 9,888
 • Density 1,168.8/km2 (3,027.2/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
- Tree Cherry blossom
- Flower Michelsa compressa

Kotohira is a town located in Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The town is best known as the site of Shikoku's largest shrine complex, the Kotohira Shrine.

As of May 1, 2011 the town has an estimated population of 9,888, with a household number of 3,842 and a density of 1,168.79 persons per km². The total area is 8.46 km2 (3.27 sq mi). Its average temperature is 16.7 degrees Celsius.

Kotohira also features Japan's oldest surviving Kabuki playhouse, the Kanamaru-za. It was designated an Important Cultural National Property in 1970. You can get a surprising amount of access to almost the entire theater, including the elevated walkway, trapdoor, revolving stage, and actors' changing rooms.

The town tree is the Rhodoleia, and the town flower is the blossom of the cherry tree. The town was named after an ancient marine god named Kotohira-gu. A grand festival is held every year on October 10.

Sights

  • Great Gate: The Great Gate, halfway up the hill, marks your entry into the shrine complex
  • Treasure Hall: On the right after the Great Gate
  • Asahi Shrine: This shrine, which dates back to 1837, is the largest, oldest, and most impressive of Kompira's many shrine halls
  • Main Shrine: The centerpiece of the temple complex with a large square in front and many buildings
  • Izutama Shrine: 583 steps up from the Main Shrine. Few visitors make it all the way up here but those that do are rewarded with nice views over the city
  • Kinryo Sake Museum: This museum describes the various stages in sake production
  • Marine Science Museum: Highlights include a restored vessel from the Edo period along with all sorts of radio-controlled boats
  • Museum of History: This museum showcases local folk-craft, including plenty of kabuki costumes and props

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Kotohira (Kagawa) para niños

kids search engine
Kotohira, Kagawa Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.