Kotohira is on the JR Dosan line about an hour southwest of Takamatsu by Limited Express, slightly longer on the all-stations local. The town has two stations — JR Kotohira and the neighbouring Kotoden Kotohira — sitting side by side a five-minute walk from the foot of the shrine steps. The Kotoden private line runs to Takamatsu via the kotoden-kotohira line, a scenic small-train ride with frequent service.
From Okayama on the main island, take the Marine Liner across the Seto Ohashi Bridge to Takamatsu (40 minutes) and connect there, or take the direct Limited Express Shiokaze from Okayama which stops at Kotohira (about 70 minutes). No bullet train serves Shikoku.