This is an authorized translation in English of a post in French by @japon: Gravir les marches du sanctuaire Atago Jinja à Tokyo
Remember that the person that speaks here is NOT me, Vincent Celier (@vcelier), but @japon, a French guy.
Climb the steps of Atago Jinja Shrine in Tokyo
A few kilometers from the big fish market of Tsukiji, is a sanctuary that really plunged me into a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The sanctuary Atago Jinja is one of the oldest in the country. Built on the hill of the same name in the heart of the district of Minato, it offers a breathtaking view of the city and skyscrapers nearby.
The peculiarity of the place is this large staircase that provides access from the street to the sanctuary, 26 meters higher. The steep slope is steeped in history and symbolism. Legend has it that Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu saw a sakura cherry tree in bloom at the top of the stairs. He then asked one of his men to climb up and bring back a flowering branch. A young samurai took up the challenge, not on foot but on horseback. Demonstrating remarkable skill, he climbed and descended the steps to bring a branch of sakura to the shogun.
From then on, this staircase took the name of "steps of success" and the place was dedicated to success.
When I arrived, it was stifling. Fortunately I bought a water bottle from the vending machine installed downstairs. And I started climbing. You don't realize it, but the slope is very steep, and I was breathless when I arrived at the top. But a nice reward was waiting for me.
The sanctuary Atago Jinja is a haven of peace among the skyscrapers. This is amazing place that you do not expect to find here. A lot of greenery, a pond with koi carp, lanterns and several places of prayer. The atmosphere is nice and fresh.
It's not very big, I quickly go around. And then I look again, I notice new details. A small path made of Japanese steps, a bamboo fence. Nothing is ostentatious, it is rather discreet and everything seems so natural. Every detail is in its place.
Even if many cars pass on the road below, you do not hear them. This is very quiet. I cannot imagine that I am in the heart of the most populous city in the world.
It is an amazing place that you absolutely need to go to when visiting Tokyo.
As Atago Shrine is located in the heart of the Minato business district, many employees come to pray for their professional success. It is not uncommon to meet a trader in a three-piece suit, come and pray for success in business.
I find the contrast between these two worlds really amazing. On one side there is the world of finance, more and more Cartesian and scientific. And on the other, the religious and spiritual aspect. Religion is an integral part of Japanese culture and society. These traders believe in science, but still come to pray in a sanctuary, without this being a problem for them.
This is not really to undermine their beliefs, but perhaps simply because "it does not cost anything to come to pray". It's just putting all the chances on their side. Why refuse a little divine help? It only takes a few minutes and costs only a few hundred yen.
And you, what do you think about that?
-- @japon
Travel diary in Japan, by @japon
Tokyo, overcrowded city? Really? by @japon
Are the Japanese too disciplined? by @japon
Going to Japan without speaking Japanese? by @japon
Ueno, more than just a big park in Tokyo, by @japon
Asakusa, diving in the heart of Tokyo's historic district, by @japon
Ameyoko, Ueno's colorful market, by @japon
Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world, by @japon
C'est drôle, grâce à toi je découvre un peu mieux @japon... :-) Tu es vraiment incroyable @vcelier ! Grâce à toi, cela donne de la visibilité à de superbes articles francophones, tout comme pour @vincentleroy ! Merci pour tout ce que tu fais !
Vincent fait un travail remarquable et grâce à lui des inconnus sont mis en lumière !
Japan is a very beautiful country with ancient culture and traditions
the place looks serene , calm and beautiful, this is one awesome place to relax and recharge
japan is very cool ... i really like the atmosphere there :)
do you always travel to different countries?
I traveled in different countries but I have Japan in my heart. I hope to go back soon there. Now it's like my second home !
Amazing photography and great adventure thanks for sharing
Great photography my friend. .I appreciate ..
Upvoted and resteemit done..
I made about 4000 photographies, and tons of video. I have a lot to share with you, and in a few weeks I will make videos on d.tube, maybe both in French and in English !
I'm french and read the post in both languages. Well done on the translation, I bet you speak well French too =) !
Thank you @jlcrypto !
@vcelier the reward is amazing at end so peaceful place
Awesome temple I want to go to Japan so bad
Yeah.. that's really cool and a great travelling.. i wish i could be there soon... Japan i'm coming
Japan is not so expensive. If you really want, you can. And it will change your life !
Wow impresionante ! gracias por permitirnos viajar y conocer este exótico lugar, sus tradiciones y toda su riqueza cultural..Bendiciones desde Venezuela @vcelier
Such a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing :)
the stairs are very high and the view is very beautiful in tokyo, good luck always my friend
thanks for sharing! i will start following your exciting posts! Checkout my posts as well
Je Veux vraiment maintenant visité @Japon :) Merci pour ts
Le japon est vraiment un voyage initiatique. Certains y voient uniquement du tourisme, d'autre des réponses à leurs questions. Mais on sort vraiment différent d'un tel voyage tant la culture est différente de la notre. Cela change vraiment le regard sur le monde.
This is a really cool post, I am going to Japan this weekend and I am excited :)
I'm so happy for you ! I hope you will share your travel with us !
I am appriciate everybody loves Japan! Hope you find your special places in here :D
like walking in the mall is large, whereas the small alleys digang left right people selling, and its roof was already given a cover such as a large glass. a very impressive journey