Atago Shrine 愛宕神社
Atago, Minato, Tokyo · Open in Google Maps
Atago Shrine sits on top of Atago hill, the highest natural point in central Tokyo, and enshrines Homusubi, the fire god, as a protector against fire. Edo was a city of wooden houses, and fire was its great fear.
What to look for
- The very steep stone stairway up the front of the hill is known as the "Stairs of Success" (Shusse no Ishidan). Legend says a samurai rode his horse up these stairs to pick plum blossoms for the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, and was rewarded with fame.
- Climbing the stairs is believed to bring success at work; a gentler slope leads up the side for those who prefer it.
- At the top, a small pond and shady grounds feel far removed from the office towers around it.
Enshrined kami
- Homusubi 火産霊命
What people pray for here
Protection from fire, success and promotion at work.
Etiquette
The main stairway is very steep; hold the handrail, and don't stop in the middle of it to take photos.
New to shrines? Read our short guide to shrine etiquette: purifying your hands, bowing and clapping, offerings, omamori and goshuin.