Atago Jinja: the shrine atop the highest hill in Tokyo

Atago Jinja: the shrine atop the highest hill in Tokyo

Atago Jinja: the shrine atop the highest hill in Tokyo 1200 800 Michaël da Silva Paternoster

Atago Jinja is a Shinto shrine on the top of a hill in the Minato district. This shrine in the heart of Tokyo is known for its long stairs that bring good luck to those who climb them.

This shrine was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the last unifier of Japan, in 1603. Atago Jinja is therefore almost as old as Tokyo. Also, it’s one of the most important Shinto shrines of the Japanese capital city, with Meiji Jingu and Hie Jinja.

The torii at the entrance of Atago Jinja. Photo by Michael da Silva Paternoster for Nipponrama.

My review of Atago Jinja

Michaël da Silva Paternoster

Founder of Nipponrama

I’m a French guy living in Tokyo, where I work as a digital marketing manager and consultant for several years now. I’ve decided to share my travel recommendations and various tips to help people settle in Japan. I hope you’ll enjoy my blog, and I’m at your disposal if you have any question regarding Japan.

This small shrine is a refreshing stop in a city that never sleeps. I always feel like I’m in the middle of a forest as soon as I climb the stairs to Atago Jinja. The surrounding greenery makes me forget that I’m actually in Minato, one of the most crowded districts of Tokyo.

I advise you to make a detour to this shrine if you visit Zojoji. It takes only a few minutes walk to find yourself at the top of this sacred hill. On the way, you can also stop at Seishoji, a calm Zen temple.

The steps leading to success

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Atago Jinja is on top of a hill. You’ll have to climb 86 steps to reach this shrine hanged in a green island drowned in the city. A myth tells that climbing the 26 meters of stairs will ensure your success in life.

Les escaliers du sanctuaire Atago Jinja.
The stairs of Atago Jinja shrine. Photo by Michael da Silva Paternoster for Nipponrama.

This legend comes from a historical fact. A samurai named Heihachiro Magaki reportedly climbed and went down the stairs of Atago Jinja on horseback to bring plum blossoms to Lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni. If the ascent had taken only one minute, the way down would have lasted 45 minutes. The horse would have come out exhausted from this hard ordeal.

It’s true that this task is challenging. I must admit that the first time I took these stairs I had to take a break and I’m not an old man yet.

Today, many employees of large companies with offices in Toranomon business districts regularly climb the shrine steps to ensure their good fortune.

A shrine that honors Homusubi no Mikoto

Like the other eponymous sanctuaries located in Kyoto and Fukuoka, this shrine in the heart of the district of Minato is dedicated to Homusubi no Mikoto. This deity is the protector of fire in Shinto worship.

Tokugawa Ieyasu reportedly requested the construction of this temple to protect Edo, the capital city he founded, against fire. Indeed, uncontrolled conflagrations were the greatest danger for Japanese cities, because most of whose buildings were built in wood.

Le hall principal d'Atago Jinja pendant la Golden Week.
Atago Jinja’s main hall during Golden Week. Photo by Michael da Silva Paternoster for Nipponrama.

This place was not chosen by chance. Atago Hill was already an observation point with a clear view on Edo. So clear that you could see Mount Fuji. Today it’s no longer possible since the skyscrapers obstruct the view. Therefore, this place, which is the highest natural point of Tokyo, was perfect for spotting the fires in the new capital city of Japan.

n addition, you will also find smaller altars in honor of other Shinto deities, such as Mizuhanome no Mikoto, the god of water, Oyamazumi no Mikoto, the god of the mountains, and Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, the god of military things.

L'autel en l'honneur de Benzaiten à Atago Jinja.
The altar in honor of Benzaiten at Atago Jinja. Photo by Michael da Silva Paternoster for Nipponrama.

Useful information

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Opening time

You can access the shrine at any time.

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Price

Access to Atago Jinja is free.

Required time

It only takes ten minutes to visit this small shrine.

📍 Map to get to Atago Shrine

Find the shortest route to Atago Hill with Google Maps.

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Subway

You can easily get to Atago Jinja by taking the Tokyo subway. The nearest stations are Kamiyacho, on the Hibiya line, and Onarimon, on the Mita line.

Michaël da Silva Paternoster

I’m a French guy living in Tokyo, where I work as a digital marketing manager and consultant for several years now. I’ve decided to share my travel recommendations and various tips to help people settle in Japan.

All stories by : Michaël da Silva Paternoster