This hot spring area spreads around the castle town in front of Kotohira-gu Shrine, often described as a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. For inbound visitors, the story of climbing the historic stone steps, which number 1,368, to worship at the shrine and then soothing the fatigue in their legs and lower back in the hot springs makes for a highly appealing and easy-to-understand Japanese travel experience. Nearby are attractions such as the still-standing oldest kabuki theater in Japan, the Former Konpira Grand Kabuki Theatre (Kanemakuza), making this an exceptionally powerful destination where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese culture, Sanuki udon, and excellent hot springs all together.