Atago Shrine (Tokyo)

The Atago Shrine (愛宕神社, Atago Jinja) in Minato, Tokyo, Japan is a Shinto shrine established in 1603 (the eighth year of the Keichō era) on the order of shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The shrine is located on Atagoyama, a hill rising 26 meters above sea level.

In old times, the shrine had a splendid view of Tokyo, now obscured by high rises.

The very steep stairs leading to the shrine are also famous, as they represent success in life.

According to legend, a young samurai dared to ride his horse up the stairs to deliver plum blossoms to the shōgun.

Stairs to the Atago shrine in Tokyo
Panoramic view of Atagoyama circa 1770, by Kitao Shigemasa
Panorama of Yedo (Tokyo) from Atagoyama, Felice Beato 1865