The Zenigata Sand Sculpture is a giant Kan'ei Tsūhō coin drawn on Ariake Beach
An oval measuring 122 m east to west and 90 m north to south
The Zenigata Sand Sculpture in Kotohiki Park, Kan'onji City, Kagawa Prefecture, is a giant work formed by shaping the white sand of Ariake Beach into the design of a Kan'ei Tsūhō coin.
It measures 122 m east to west, 90 m north to south, and 345 m around.
It is so large that the entire design is difficult to take in from ground level. The continuing banks of sand and grooves that form the characters reveal a landscape with relief rather than a flat pattern.
It looks circular when viewed from Mt. Kotohiki
The sculpture was not made as a perfect circle when seen from above. Its oval layout is designed to appear circular when viewed from near the summit of Mt. Kotohiki.
At the observation deck, first take in the full view, then move your gaze to the outer ring, the characters, and the surrounding pine grove. This makes it easier to understand how perspective has been adjusted.
After descending to ground level, look for the same sections and your sense of scale will change dramatically.
A beloved landscape and symbol of the city
The Zenigata Sand Sculpture is one of Kan'onji City's signature tourist sights, and its design has been carried into local festivals and characters.
A saying claims that those who see it will enjoy health, longevity, and freedom from financial hardship. This is not a guaranteed blessing, however, but a story that has long been cherished.
Make a wish while also noticing the craftsmanship and conservation work, and the visit will leave a deeper impression.
Read the complete design from the Mt. Kotohiki observation deck
Compare the characters and outer ring from above
The key at the observation deck is to look beyond the 4 characters of Kan'ei Tsūhō and take in the thickness of the perimeter, the spaces between the characters, and the boundary between the pine grove and beach.
Even on a clear day, light from the sea and shadows from clouds change the light and dark tones of the sand.
Confirm the shape with your own eyes before taking photos. Change your angle of view to suit your purpose: use a telephoto lens for the lines of sand in the characters, or a wide-angle lens to include Ariake Beach and the Seto Inland Sea.
The walking trail takes about 15 minutes each way
The walk from the trail in Kotohiki Park to the observation deck takes about 15 minutes each way.
Another route climbs the stone steps of Kotohiki Hachimangū Shrine and passes through the shrine grounds.
The time is only a guide and varies with slopes, steps, temperature, and crowds, so bring non-slip shoes and a drink.
If you become short of breath on the climb, rest in a wide area and avoid stopping in the middle of the path or on the stairs.
Drivers should check tunnel dimensions and congestion
You can drive to the summit via the park road, but the road may be closed on some days because of construction or other conditions.
There is a tunnel along the way, and vehicles must be no more than 3 m high and 2 m 10 cm wide to pass through.
Large and medium-size buses cannot use the road.
Because the summit parking lot tends to fill during holiday periods, visitors are advised to park in a lower lot, such as the one in front of Yokujitsukan, and walk for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Follow local guidance and one-way signs.
| Viewing location | What you can understand | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Kotohiki observation deck | Overall arrangement of the characters and outer ring | Do not go beyond the fence |
| Walking trail | Relationship between the mountain and beach | Slopes, steps, and fallen leaves |
| Public road at ground level | Relief and scale of the sand | Do not enter the sculpture |
Experience the relief and scale of the sand from ground level
Imagine the unseen whole through your own stride
Although the complete characters are hard to see from the ground, the sand banks, depth of the grooves, and distance to the pine grove become tangible.
Notice how a section of the outer ring seen from the observation deck continues before you as a long row of sand.
Keep the panoramic view in mind and estimate which character is nearby to connect the elevated and ground-level perspectives.
Do not enter the sculpture in an attempt to confirm your exact position.
Entry into the sand sculpture is normally prohibited
The Zenigata Sand Sculpture can be viewed free of charge 24 hours a day, but entry into the sculpture itself is prohibited.
Observe from outside the fences and signs. Do not step onto the sand slopes or touch the outline.
This sand artwork is easily altered by sea winds and rain, and it is preserved when every visitor keeps a respectful distance.
If using a drone or special photography equipment, check the relevant laws and the facility manager's conditions in advance.
Learn local history through the origin stories and sand-raking conservation
Read the tale of its overnight creation as folklore
One story says that local residents created the Zenigata Sand Sculpture in a single night to welcome a feudal lord during the Edo period.
Its actual history is uncertain, and several theories refer to Takatoshi Ikoma's inspection of his domain and visits by Takaakira Kyōgoku or Akiteru Kyōgoku.
Rather than treating one appealing anecdote as established history, leave room to wonder why it was made here, by whom, and when.
Spring and autumn sand raking restores the outline
Sand raking is the work of restoring characters and outlines damaged by wind, rain, and other forces.
It is carried out every spring and autumn by several hundred people, mainly local residents.
The spring 2026 work also drew more than 400 participants, collecting pine needles, removing weeds, and heaping and leveling the sand.
The giant form does not simply remain naturally; it is passed on through the work of many hands.
Entry is allowed only during sand-raking events
Entry is normally prohibited, but during sand-raking events participants may enter the sculpture, whose interior is more than 2 m deep.
Participation requirements and dates are announced each time on the city's website and in public notices, so do not apply past event dates to the current year.
If you can participate, follow the designated registration, clothing, tools, and work area, and approach it as a shared effort to protect a cultural landscape.
| Topic | Position | How to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight creation story | One of several origin traditions | Distinguish it from established history |
| Sand raking | Conservation that restores characters and outlines | Check the city's event notice |
| Entering the interior | Normally prohibited | Follow instructions during the event |
Compare its appearance by day and under night illumination
See the natural colors of sand, pines, and sea by day
From the observation deck during the day, white sand, green Japanese black pines, and the colors of the Seto Inland Sea overlap.
When the sun is high, the shapes of the characters are easier to see; angled light more readily casts shadows across the relief of the sand.
Weather changes the color of the sand and the appearance of the sea, so observe the tones before you instead of trying to reproduce a photograph.
In hot weather, rest in the shade and drink water frequently.
See the illumination from the observation deck after sunset
The Zenigata Sand Sculpture is illuminated every day from sunset until 22:00.
It is usually green, with limited-time gold or blue lighting as well.
Because equipment conditions and events can change the display, check the day's lighting notice if you are visiting for a special color.
At night the design emerges in light, but the walking trail and parking areas become dark underfoot, so bring a portable light.
Explore it with the pine grove and garden of Kotohiki Park
See the entire landscape of this nationally designated scenic park
Kotohiki Park extends across Mt. Kotohiki and Ariake Beach. It opened as a prefectural park in 1897, was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty in 1936, and was incorporated into Setonaikai National Park in 1956.
Instead of simply going to and from the sand sculpture, look at the continuous terrain of mountain, pine grove, beach, and river mouth to better imagine why this giant work was placed in this environment.
Protect roots and branches in the pine grove
The pine grove at Ariake Beach frames the sand sculpture and creates a distinctly coastal landscape.
Use the established paths rather than repeatedly stepping on exposed roots or hanging belongings from branches.
Pine needles can make the path slippery, so stop walking before looking up.
When approaching the shore, check the wind and waves, and take all trash home.
Extend your view to the Japanese garden and Kotohashira Pond
Along the Saita River is a Japanese garden designed by landscape architect Keijirō Ozawa, with Kotohashira Pond and a wisteria trellis among its noted features.
Moving from the broad view at the observation deck to the garden's fine composition lets you enjoy landscapes at different scales within the park.
Flowering periods and maintenance work vary by season, so do not expect only seasonal results; quietly observe the arrangement of water, stones, and plantings.
| Time and place | Main way to look | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| Observation deck by day | Sand sculpture, sea, and pine grove | Hat and drink |
| Evening to night | Shadows and illumination | Light and warm clothing |
| Inside Kotohiki Park | Garden, pond, and pine grove | Comfortable walking shoes |
Plan access and crowd precautions for a safe walk
Choose how to travel from JR Kan'onji Station
Kotohiki Park is about 5 minutes by taxi and approximately 2 km from JR Kan'onji Station.
The shared-ride bus is listed as running 4 services per day. On the Gō Takamuro Line, tell the driver you want Kotohiki Park (Mori Internal Medicine).
Service frequency and boarding conditions may change, so check the timetable for your visit date and the return service in advance.
If walking, take sunset and the weather into account.
Drivers should also consider parking at the base
Free parking for passenger cars is listed at the summit, in front of Yokujitsukan, and on the east side of Ariake Ground.
Large and medium-size buses use the east side of Ariake Ground.
Crowds are expected around New Year and during major holidays, so it is safer to keep the option of parking below and walking instead of insisting on driving to the summit.
Do not park outside marked spaces or on the road, and leave ample room for pedestrians and oncoming vehicles.
Shorten your itinerary at night and on hot days
Although the site can be viewed 24 hours a day, not every road and facility has the same conditions at night as during the day.
Walk with others, carry a charged device and a light, and do not proceed where the ground is difficult to see.
In summer, the climb to the observation deck can quickly raise your body temperature. Choose a cooler time and turn back if you feel unwell.
Prioritize securing a safe return route over seeing the scenery.
Summary: understand the Zenigata Sand Sculpture's design and community care
The Zenigata Sand Sculpture is most compelling when you compare the calculated oval that appears circular from Mt. Kotohiki with the immense relief experienced on Ariake Beach.
There are several theories about its origin, and its present outline is sustained by community care, including sand raking in spring and autumn.
Shift your perspective from the observation deck to ground level, the pine grove, the garden, and from day to night. Stay out of the sculpture, prepare for crowds and darkness, and thoughtfully experience this symbol of Kan'onji City.
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