Overview

When you arrive at Kotohira Kadan, you step into a world shaped by centuries of history and timeless elegance. Located at the base of sacred Mount Kotohira, just a short walk from the famous Kotohira-gu Shrine, this ryokan welcomes you with tranquil gardens, sweeping views of the Sanuki Plains, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the town’s bustle.

For over 400 years, Kotohira Kadan has hosted cultural icons and members of Japan’s aristocracy. You can stay in rooms once occupied by literary legends like Mori Ogai, or relax in modern accommodations that blend heritage with quiet luxury. Every corner of the property invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with tradition.

Accommodation

You can choose from three distinct guest areas: Sukiya-style cottages, Fujimidai and Shogetsu Terrace, and Sansuikaku. Each offers a different way to experience the atmosphere of Kotohira Kadan.

Sukiya-Style Cottages (Hanare)

Nestled in the garden, these detached cottages offer privacy, history, and seasonal beauty.

Choseiden: This ornate cottage features wave-glass windows, historic fusuma-e paintings, and a hinoki bath overlooking the garden. You’ll sleep on futons in traditional tatami rooms decorated with fine antiques. (Age 12+ only)

Enjukaku: Stay where Mori Ogai once did. Enjoy spacious tatami rooms, a long veranda, and a peaceful garden view, framed by art from the early modern era.

Sentei: The oldest of the three, Sentei charms with warm light, artistic details, and a bath with a carved narcissus ceiling. It combines vintage character with comfort, including a queen bed and sofa.

Fujimidai and Shogetsu Terrace

These buildings offer a range of room types, many with open-air baths and beautiful views.

Japanese-Western Rooms with Open-Air Bath: Soak in a private bath on your terrace while you look out over weeping cherry trees or the mountains. Enjoy a spacious tatami room, designer chairs, and twin beds.

Japanese Rooms with Open-Air Bath: Relax in a large hinoki tub on your terrace, surrounded by nature and mountain views.

Twin Rooms with Open-Air Bath: Take in the forested slopes of Mount Kotohira from your private terrace. Sunlight and fresh air add to your bathing experience.

Special Japanese-Western Rooms: Located on the upper floors, these large corner suites offer tatami living areas, Western-style lounges, and views of the Sanuki Plains and the ryokan’s gardens.

Sansuikaku

Located beside the garden, Sansuikaku lets you immerse yourself in nature from your room. Each room offers calming views and, in some cases, a private open-air bath. This building also gives you access to the reservation-only bath Mori no Yu, where you can soak in peace surrounded by forest.

All rooms at Kotohira Kadan are non-smoking. A designated smoking area is available.

Dining

Taste the best of Kagawa’s seasonal ingredients with kaiseki meals that highlight Sanuki beef, Olive Pork, Sanuki Cochin chicken, and seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. The chefs prepare every dish with care, using traditional techniques to bring out the flavors of this region.

Dinner

Your dinner may include dishes like:

• Sanuki beef grilled to perfection
• Fresh sashimi from the Seto Inland Sea
• Olive pork shabu-shabu or sukiyaki
• Sanuki udon, a local specialty
• Locally grown fruits and vegetables from the Sanuki Plains

Meals are served in the main dining room, Dining Keyaki, where you can choose from open seating or private rooms. Some rooms offer in-room dining for quiet evenings with loved ones. You can also choose semi-private seating in Partial Dining Shoho, perfect for special occasions.

Breakfast

Start your day with a healthy Japanese or Western-style breakfast. Try dishes like dashimaki tamago (Japanese omelet), grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, or toast and eggs, all paired with Chiran tea or original house-blend coffee.

Onsen and Wellness

Enjoy the healing waters of Konpira Onsen, known as “Bijin no Yu” or “The Great Beauty’s Bath.” The hot spring water at Kotohira Kadan flows from Kotohira Chikoin Onsen, a light alkaline spring with benefits for skin, fatigue, joint pain, and overall wellness.

Public Bath – Kissho no Yu

This spacious bath includes both indoor and open-air areas. You can look out over Mount Iinoyama and the Sanuki Plains as you relax in the water. In the evening, the bamboo forest around the outdoor bath glows with gentle light.

Hours:

• 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Private Baths

You can reserve two private open-air baths during your stay:

Nagomi Yu (Shogetsu Terrace): Soak on a spacious terrace with views of Kotohira’s townscape and the Asan Mountains. You’ll find lounge space, a shower, and all the amenities you need.

Mori no Yu (Sansuikaku): Bathe under the trees and listen to the forest’s sounds. This peaceful retreat includes a tatami lounge, shower booth, and plenty of space to unwind.

Reservations are required. Guests in premium rooms receive one complimentary session.

Thai Massage – Bankunmei

Treat your body to a Thai massage in a cottage within the garden. This therapy, once reserved for royalty, blends acupressure, yoga, and stretching to improve circulation, skin health, and overall relaxation. Unwind and awaken your inner energy in a tranquil setting.

Guests with Tattoos

If you have tattoos, you can use the private baths. Please ask the front desk about availability and how to make a reservation.

Facilities

• Gallery Lounge: After your bath, visit the gallery and see original artwork by Ibuse Masuji, inspired by his stay at Kotohira Kadan.
• Massage and Spa: Enjoy Thai massage at Bankunmei.
• Smoking Area: Designated outdoor area available.
• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the property.
• Garden Views: Every building opens onto or overlooks traditional Japanese gardens.

Activities

Stroll to nearby Kotohira-gu Shrine, explore Sayabashi Bridge, or take in views of Sanuki Fuji. Throughout the year, the gardens transform with the seasons—from plum blossoms in spring to fiery foliage in autumn.

Additional Features

• Private open-air baths available in select rooms and by reservation
• Historic sukiya-style cottages with connections to Japanese literary and cultural icons
• Local seasonal dining with in-room, semi-private, and restaurant options
• Non-smoking throughout
• Family- and couple-friendly experiences for any occasion