Tokyo's Hidden Gems: Coffee, Shrines, and Shopping Streets All in One

Atago Shrine (Atago Jinja) 📍 Location 1-5-3 Atago, Minato City, Tokyo Established in 1603, Atago Shrine is located on Tokyo's highest natural hill (26 meters above sea level). It is famous for its "Stairway to Success," making it a popular spot for those seeking blessings for career advancement and promotions. ⸻ 🚶 How to Get There (From Shiba Daijingu Shrine) It’s about a 10–15 minute walk from Shiba Daijingu Shrine. Stroll along the route from Daimon Station to Onarimon Station, passing through streets often frequented by office workers, giving you a taste of Tokyo’s urban vibe. If you prefer not to walk, you can take the Toei Mita Line from Daimon Station to Onarimon Station (just one stop), and then walk for about 5 minutes to reach the shrine. ⸻ 📝 Personal Thoughts The most iconic feature of Atago Shrine is undoubtedly the nearly vertical "Stairway to Success." Standing at the base, you might hesitate for a moment, but climbing it gives you an unexpected sense of motivation. Surrounded by skyscrapers, it feels like scaling a tranquil mountain in the middle of the city. The shrine itself is surprisingly peaceful, and the small pond and garden behind the torii gate create a relaxing atmosphere, offering a brief escape from the city's fast pace. There’s also a statue of the "Horse of Success" nearby, which many visitors come specifically to photograph and pray at. Overall, it’s a spot where the climb might be exhausting, but the experience is absolutely worth it. If you’re at a turning point in your career or have a specific goal in mind, visiting this shrine adds a meaningful ritual to your journey!