Atago Jinja Shrine [Tokyo]

【Atago Jinja Shrine summary】

Atago Shrine is one of about 900 branch shrines throughout Japan, with Atago Shrine in Kyoto being the head shrine. In 1603, the shrine was enshrined as the god of fire prevention in Edo (now Tokyo) by order of Ieyasu Tokugawa, and was widely worshipped by the samurai community. Atago God was also known as the god of fire prevention, and prayers were offered to protect Edo from many fires. Therefore, Atago Shrine has served not only as a shrine of success in life, but also as a shrine closely related to the lives of the citizens.

The main deity is “Hinokagutsuchi,” the god of fire. He is the god of fire, born of Izanami and Izanagi in their divine birth. He is highly revered by those who work with fire, such as blacksmiths and potters. There are many shrines where the Great Goddess of Fire is enshrined, and there are several famous shrines besides Atago Shrine in Kyoto.

Akhasan Shrine Kamiisha [Shizuoka]

Hana no Iwaya Shrine [Mie]

【Atago Jinja Shrine staircase leading to success in life】

Atago Jinja Shrine is located at the summit of Mt. Atago (26 m above sea level), the highest mountain in the 23 wards of Tokyo in terms of natural terrain. The most distinctive feature of this shrine is the “Otokozaka” staircase, known since ancient times as the “stone steps of success in life. Worshippers are said to have literally “achieved success in life” by climbing up that steep slope.

There are 86 steps, which is not that many, but each step is quite high and the 40-degree angle of inclination is quite steep.

The name was given to the mountain because a master equestrian rider once rode up the stone steps and presented the plum blossoms on the summit to the 3rd Shogun, Iemitsu, who at that time was famous throughout Japan and rose to power.

After climbing up, you will feel some fear when looking down. Be careful not to push yourself too hard on rainy days.

【Atago Jinja Shrine precincts 】

The shrine was built here in accordance with the Tokugawa Shogunate’s policy to protect the town from large fires and to watch over the prosperity and development of Edo (present-day Tokyo). In addition to the advantage of being a small mountain that made it easy to spot the fire from afar, it was also a place of scenic beauty where one could enjoy a panoramic view of the town from the top of the mountain and enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons.

Today, the area is surrounded by buildings and the view is not what it used to be, but there is a lot of greenery in the precincts of the temple, and you can enjoy the seasonal changes.

The shrine was completely destroyed by fire in the Great Edo Fire, but in 1877, in September, the main shrine building, the hall of offerings, and the shrine office were rebuilt. On September 1, 1923, the shrine was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake, and on May 24, 1945, by an air raid on the Imperial Capital, but in September 1958, the main shrine building, the hall of offerings, and the hall of worship were rebuilt with donations from the Ujiko community. A little before the shrine building, on the left side, there is a “beckoning stone,” which is said to bring good fortune if you stroke it.

【Atago Jinja Shrine precincts Benzaiten Shrine and Pond】

It has been recently redeveloped and beautified. The pond can be circled and the Benzaiten Shrine, dedicated to Princess Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, is located at the end of the pond. The shrine was dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto and was commissioned in Keicho 15 from Itsukushima Shrine in Aki.

The pond was like a quiet oasis in the heart of the city with carp swimming in it.

嚴島神社【広島県】

【Atago Jinja Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Atago Jinja Shrine Nearby attractions】

Hie Shrine, National Diet Building, Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple, Shiba Daijingu Shrine, Shiba Toshogu Shrine

Hie-jinja Shrine and Sanno Inari Shrine [Tokyo]

Zojo-ji Temple [Tokyo]

【Atago Jinja Shrine Access】