Takaya Shrine - Kagawa, Japan
I first saw a photo of this torii gate perched high on a mountaintop, overlooking the city and sea below. It was called the “Sky View Torii Gate,” and ever since then, I knew I wanted to visit. When I planned my trip to Kanonji in Shikoku, Takaya Shrine immediately made it onto my list.
Public transportation in this area can be a bit limited, and the timing didn’t work out for me, so I decided to walk from Kanonji Station to the lower shrine. The route passed through quiet countryside roads with little traffic, making for a peaceful walk. As I approached the lower shrine, I could see the torii gate far above on the mountain—it looked just as striking as the photos I’d seen, and my excitement grew.
At the lower shrine, I stopped briefly to pay my respects before continuing behind the main building to the trailhead. A sign at the entrance reminded hikers that they proceed at their own risk. The first part of the trail was wide and well maintained, but as I climbed higher, the switchbacks began—one after another. The path was covered in fallen leaves and sandy soil, making some sections quite slippery. Along the way, several side trails branched off, leading to small shrines, unusual rock formations, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the city below.
I took every side trail I could, not wanting to miss a thing. Eventually, I reached the final challenge: about 270 steep stone steps leading up to the upper shrine. I climbed slowly and steadily, and when I reached the top, the view was every bit as breathtaking as I had imagined. The torii gate framed a sweeping panorama of Kanonji City and the Seto Inland Sea—a perfect blend of nature and spiritual architecture.
I rested briefly at the small gazebo near the top, then went to pay my respects at the main shrine. Before heading back down, I took a few more photos, soaking in the view one last time. The descent proved trickier, with the loose leaves and sandy footing making the switchbacks slippery, but the quiet forest and soft rustling sounds made it a peaceful end to the hike. Takaya Shrine truly feels like a hidden gem in Kagawa.
History & Background
Takaya Shrine (高屋神社), located in Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine that dates back over a thousand years. It consists of two main parts: the lower shrine at the base of Mount Inazumi and the main shrine (hongu) at the summit, standing at 404 metres above sea level. The upper shrine’s iconic torii gate has become famous online as the “Sky View Torii,” offering panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea and the city below. Beyond its popularity as a photo spot, the shrine remains an important local place of worship, symbolizing harmony between faith and nature.
Getting There
From Kanonji Station, the lower shrine is about a 30-minute walk through quiet local streets and farmland. For those who prefer not to hike the entire way, a shuttle bus is available from the station area to the upper parking lot near the summit (seasonal and weather-dependent). From there, it’s only a short walk up to the torii gate and main shrine. If you plan to hike, start at the lower shrine—located about 2.5 kilometres from the station—and follow the marked trail to the top.
Route Overview
Distance: 5.03 km out & back (Takaya Shrine Lower)
Total elevation gain: 424 m
Duration: 1 hr 31 min (with breaks 1 hr 48 min)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Peak: Takaya Shrine Main Shrine 高屋神社 本宮 404m
Cost Breakdown
Food: ¥451
