Shrine · Toranomon / Atago

Atago Shrine 愛宕神社

Atop the highest natural hill in central Tokyo, reached by the brutally steep 86-step "Stairs of Success", legend says a samurai rode his horse up them to win the shogun's favour.

About

Atago Shrine crowns Atagoyama, at about 26 metres the highest natural point within Tokyo's 23 wards. It was founded in 1603 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu to protect Edo from fire. Its fame rests on the Shusse no Ishidan, or Stairs of Success: 86 steep stone steps at around a 40-degree angle. In 1634, the story goes, shogun Iemitsu spotted plum blossoms at the summit and asked who could fetch a branch; only the samurai Magaki Heikuro managed to ride his horse up and down, and his career took off, so climbing the steps is said to bring promotion and success. At the top you find a peaceful precinct with a pond full of carp, a vermilion gate, and a small plum tree remembering the story. During the periodic Shusse no Ishidan Matsuri in September, bearers carry mikoshi up and down the same terrifying stairs.

Highlights

• The 86-step, ~40-degree Stairs of Success (Shusse no Ishidan), climb for career luck
• Highest natural point in the 23 wards, about 26 m above sea level
• Koi pond and stone bridge at the summit, a calm surprise amid the office towers
• Shogun-era plum tree and the legend of Magaki Heikuro's horse ride
• Mikoshi carried up the steep stairs during the Shusse no Ishidan Matsuri (September, held periodically)

Tips

• The steps are steep and shallow, hold the chain handrail and go slowly; there is a gentler "onnazaka" slope and an elevator from the NHK Museum side.
• Office workers come at lunchtime; weekday mornings are quietest.
• Pair with the free NHK Museum of Broadcasting next door, also on Atagoyama.
• From Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line) Exit 3 it is about 5 minutes on foot.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• NHK Museum of BroadcastingMuseum · 140 m away
• Andaz TokyoStay · 210 m away
• Andaz Tokyo Rooftop BarBars & Nightlife · 230 m away
• Coin Lockers · Toranomon Hills StationLuggage Storage · 230 m away
• Toranomon HillsLandmark & Tower · 260 m away
• Gold Bar at EDITIONBars & Nightlife · 290 m away
• Minato Science MuseumMuseum · 290 m away
• The Tokyo EDITION, ToranomonStay · 300 m away