Atago Shrine

⛩Information on ATAGO JINJA(Shinto shrine)

Estanblished in the year KEICHO 8(1603)by TOKUGAWA IEYASU on his order to build a shrine here.

To protect the local community from fire accidents.

ATAGO-YAMA is 26m above the sea. It is the highest land in TOKYO’s 23 wards.

It was very famous for its fine, commanding view.

What is Shinto?

The Shinto Gods are here:

HOMUSUBI no MIKOTO (the god of fire) is enshrined as a main god.

Other Shinto gods enshrined at Atago Jinja are:

NISUHANOME no MIKOTO (the god of water)

OOYAMAZUMI no MIKOTO (the god of mountains)

YAMATO TAKERU no MIKOTO (the god of military arts)

SHOUGUN JIZOU was specially worshiped by TOKUGAWA IEYASU.

He prayed to be a top leader. And he succeeded.

This god is also enshrined hire, too. But it is never open to public.

On the front side of Atago Jinja(OTOKOZAKA) the steps are long and steep.

They are famous for success in life and for the legend of the junior samurai MAGAKI HEIKUROU

who dared to ride his horse up the steps and succeeded in delivering a plum gift to his loard.

The Shogun praised him as a great rider in Japan.

Everybody knows these steps are a symbol for success in life. They are called SHUSSE no ISHIDAN.

It’s hard to believe, but every year a festival is held where people carry a OMOKOSHI go up and down these stone steps. (Festival Schedule:22-24th September)

Some shops offer soft serve ice cream and light meals, with stays typically lasting one to two hours. It’s a recommended spot where you can feel the energy emanating from the shrine.

If the stairs are steep and difficult to climb, there is also a detour route. If you look around the area, you should be able to find the entrance to the detour.　The entrance to the detour is smaller than you might imagine, and the gap when you reach the main hall through that small entrance is quite significant.

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