Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture
At Takaya Shrine’s Torii in the Sky From the city to the sea, beyond the torii
The torii frames more than the sky: the city and sea stretch on and on beyond it. The main shrine at Takaya Shrine sits 404m above sea level. I visited one May afternoon and couldn’t decide whether to take a picture or lower my phone and just look.
This is the story of a May afternoon spent trying to frame the city and sea through the torii. As I worked out what to include, I found myself wanting to take in the distant islands, too.
SpringA May afternoon
Before I press the shutter, one more look at the sea
One May afternoon, I stopped as soon as I spotted the stone torii. Beyond it, Kanonji and the Seto Inland Sea stretched out before me. I could see mountains farther off, too; I thought I was looking only at the torii right in front of me, but before I knew it, I was searching the horizon beyond the sea. I hadn’t expected the view to stretch out this far. For a while, I couldn’t get a word out.
The main shrine sits at an elevation of 404m, I was told. When I heard that, I pictured the height of the mountain. But once I was there, what surprised me most was being able to take in the city and sea together. Buildings clustered together, fields stretching away, then the sea beyond. I hadn’t realized the city I’d just been in opened out onto a view like this.
I straightened the cuff of my white shirt and turned my phone sideways. With the torii in frame, I wanted to show more of the sea. But when I tried, the top of the torii was almost cut off. I was only choosing what to include, yet I couldn’t bear to crop anything out. I stood there with my arm stretched out, thinking it over.
When I finally took a picture and looked at it, it was beautiful, but I still felt like I hadn’t captured enough. I couldn’t forget how far the view seemed to reach when I saw it with my own eyes. Before raising my phone again, I lowered it and looked at the sea through the torii. The breeze stirred my shirt sleeve, and I wished I could capture even that coolness in the photo.
I wanted to show someone the photo, trace my finger from the torii across the city, and say, “The sea starts over here.” At first, I’d wanted a picture of my own, but now I wanted someone else to see this view, too. Thinking of the person I’d send it to, I took another shot—this time, including more of the city.
For my treat on the way back, I decided on Sanuki udon. I’d gotten really hungry while I was absorbed in the view up on the mountain. I want to savor those chewy noodles while looking back at today’s photos. Remembering the city spread out beneath the torii makes me even more excited for the rest of the trip once I’m back down.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local food to try on the trip
Sanuki udon
Sanuki udon is known for its firm, chewy bite. The dough is made from flour, salt, and water, then kneaded underfoot to give the noodles their firm texture. After taking in the view, I’d choose it for my meal and savor the noodles slowly.
Highlights
The main shrine, 404m above sea level
The main shrine sits at an elevation of 404m, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The elevation was just a number; what took my breath away was the way the view swept from the city all the way to the sea.
Kanonji through the torii
Through the torii, you can take in all of Kanonji’s cityscape and the Seto Inland Sea. Even after taking a photo, I want to look again and take in how far the view stretches.
The route
The road to Takaya Shrine
The route leads to Takaya Shrine in Takaya Town, Kanonji City. Once I reached the main shrine, I took my time enjoying the view through the torii.
I like looking back at the photos I took by the torii and wondering where in Kanonji I’ll go next to enjoy the view.
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