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Takadoro Lantern
As you get off the train, you immediately have an attraction at hand. The Takadoro Lantern is a 27.6-metre-tall wooden tower next to the Kotoden station. It was built in 1865 to serve as a warning beacon in times of trouble.
Kompira-san
Nestled in the wooded hills, Kompira-san is entered through the O-mon Gate, immediately followed by an 800-step set of stairs - and another 1368 steps through the Daimon Gate into the Okusha (inner shrine) and the start of a two-hour journey into the heart of one of Japan's most religious sites. From here, you can go into the main sanctuary or proceed to the Asahi no Yashiro shrine.
After an additional 583 steps, you will enter the comparatively austere Main Hall of the sanctuary where worship is held. This sets it at a decidedly wooded area that helps the faithful commune with nature. Around the main hall, the view of the surrounding countryside is spectacular.
Kompira-san was originally a Buddhist temple where seafarers worshipped. There is an old boat in one minor hall to show this.
Kanamaruza
As much as religion, the Kabuki theater is very much a bright spot in the culture of Japan . Not many stages exist, thus, the Kanamaruza serves as an institution as well as a relic of the past.
Kanamaruza is the oldest surviving complete kabuki playhouse having been built in 1835 at the center of Kotohira. Moved to this location and restored in 1975, it holds performances only in April. During the "off-season" periods, the playhouse is a museum featuring itself and its history. People can explore the main hall with its wooden beams and lanterns, the backstage, basement and, of course, the revolving stage and take a peek at the trap doors.
Kinryo Sake Museum
Approaching the shrine, the Kinryo Sake Museum or the "kinryou no sato" feature traditional sake-making techniques. At the entrance is the characteristic giant sake bottle accompanied by the white sake barrels to mark the right spot. The buildings here were built in 1616 and have been maintained in the same way ever since. A guided tour into the brewery shows the step-by-step process in life-size displays. As a popular destination, they provide an English brochure that explains the visuals. At the end of the tour, you may even sample some of the sake and get acquainted with the various types they produce there.
Iya Valley
Going south of the town, you will reach the breath-taking Iya Valley , known as the hiding place of the Heike clan. This hidden paradise of tall forested hills has its share of deep ravines. Across these are the Kazurabashi bridges - made of vines that the Heike would cut when pursued. Some of these Kazurabashi bridges still stand for thrill-seekers who wish to sway to the wind while crossing over deep gorges.
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