Good Luck Ahead - Praying at Atago Shrine

Atago Shrine is a beautiful and refreshing place located at the highest peak in Tokyo's 23 wards. It is famous far and wide and has been revered by many Japanese people since ancient times. Atago Shrine has many historical sites, such as the 'Stairway to Success.' In Japanese, 'success' refers to career advancement. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Shogunate, the story of the 'Stairway to Success' at Atago Shrine is legendary. It is said that 385 years ago, during the Edo period, the third shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Iemitsu, passed by Atago Mountain on his way back to the palace after visiting his father Tokugawa Hidetada's grave at Zojoji Temple. Upon seeing the plum blossoms on the mountain, he instructed his subordinate, 'Who can ride a horse up these steps and pick a branch of plum blossoms for me?' One of his subordinates, Kuranaga Heikuro, accomplished this task on horseback, and his exceptional horsemanship greatly impressed Shogun Iemitsu. The scenery here is beautiful, and the environment is serene. It is said that this shrine blesses careers, wealth, and love. Those interested can take a stroll here. Highly recommended for a visit.