Atago Shrine, Shinto shrine on Atago Hill in Minato, Japan
Atago Shrine is a Shinto shrine on Atagoyama, a 25.7-meter natural hill in Minato. Its red torii gate, topped by a pale grey-green tiled roof with a blue-green crest, stands on a paved stone path. The shrine is reached by the 86-step Otoko-zaka, a stairway with a gradient of about 40 degrees.
Founded in 1603 on the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shrine was dedicated to the fire deity Homusubi no Mikoto to guard Edo against fire. The present buildings on the summit date from 1958. The steep front stairway, 86 steps at about 40 degrees, is linked to the 1634 ride of Magaki Heikuro, who carried plum blossoms to shogun Iemitsu.
The name Atago comes from Mount Atago in Kyoto and links the site to a long tradition of protection against fire and disaster. Visitors often see small offerings and charms left by people seeking safety from flames and misfortune.
The climb up to the summit is steep and can be slippery when wet, so wear good shoes. A visit usually takes half an hour and works best in the morning when fewer people are around.
During the Edo period, a samurai rode his horse up the steep steps to deliver plum blossoms to the shogun, a story still told today. Many visitors do not know that a narrow alternative path winds through the forest beside the stairs.
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