Success Steps

Interesting facts

1. 1

   Mount Atago is a natural hill, not an artificial mound, rising 26 meters above sea level.

2. 2

   Legend holds that the Shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa ordered a samurai to ride his horse up these stairs to collect plum blossoms, a feat said to have been accomplished successfully.

3. 3

   The shrine was originally established in 1603 at the command of Ieyasu Tokugawa to protect the burgeoning city of Edo from fire.

4. 4

   The steep incline of the steps is intentionally designed to be physically demanding to signify the effort required for success.

5. 5

   During the Edo period, the hilltop provided an unobstructed view of Tokyo Bay and the Imperial Palace.

Overview

The 'Success Steps,' formally known as the Otokozaka or 'Men's Slope,' serve as the primary approach to Atago Shrine in Minato, Tokyo. These 86 steep stone steps rise at a 40-degree angle to the top of Mount Atago, the highest natural point in Tokyo's 23 wards. According to historical accounts, the steps were constructed in the early Edo period to provide fire protection and a vantage point over the city. Local tradition claims that ascending the steps successfully brings good fortune in business and career advancement. The shrine itself is dedicated to Homusubi-no-Mikoto, the Shinto god of fire. Despite its central urban location, the site is known as a 'power spot' due to its elevation and proximity to the government district.

Insider tips

• Ascend the steep Otokozaka for the full experience, but utilize the elevator or the gentler 'Women's Slope' (Onnazaka) if mobility is a concern.

• Check for local shrine events or market days, as they often draw significant crowds and offer unique local crafts.

• Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear, as the stone steps can be uneven and steep.