Atago Jinja

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The 'Otoko-zaka' stone steps were historically associated with a legend involving a samurai who rode his horse up them to deliver a plum branch to the Shogun.

2. 2

   Mt. Atago is technically a natural hill, which is a rarity in the highly developed landscape of central Tokyo.

3. 3

   The shrine holds a fire festival annually in June, honoring its primary deity and history of fire protection.

4. 4

   The site is effectively an island of Edo-period history surrounded by the 21st-century Atago Green Hills redevelopment project.

5. 5

   The pond within the shrine grounds, 'Ike-no-ike,' is home to koi fish and features a stone bridge that provides a classic view of the shrine's entrance.

Overview

Atago Jinja is a hilltop Shinto shrine located on the 26-meter-high Mt. Atago, the highest natural point in Tokyo's 23 wards. Founded in 1603 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shrine is dedicated to Homusubi-no-Mikoto, the deity of fire prevention. It is famous for the 'Otoko-zaka' (Men's Slope), a steep stone staircase consisting of 86 steps known as the 'Steps toward Success.' The shrine grounds feature a koi pond and several smaller sub-shrines amidst dense vegetation. Despite its central urban location, the site offers a distinct elevation that overlooks the surrounding high-rise office buildings of Minato City. The shrine maintains its historical significance by serving as a symbolic protector against fire for the city. Visitors must climb the stairs or use the provided elevator to access the main precinct. The wooden architecture and serene atmosphere contrast sharply with the modern skyscrapers of the Atago Green Hills complex nearby.

Insider tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the stone steps are steep and uneven.

• Visit the small elevator tucked away near the NHK Broadcasting Museum entrance if you prefer to avoid the vertical climb.

• Bring a pen if you wish to fill out an ema (votive wooden plaque) to hang at the shrine.