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Suga Shrine Otokodan
These stairs are older than the movie that made them famous by 391 years. You're standing at the Otokozaka steps of Suga Shrine, where red handrails have been guiding visitors up since 1634, though nobody knew they'd one day become the most photographed stairs in anime history. What you're seeing isn't just one shrine - it's actually two shrines that got married, literally. Back in 1819, the Gozutennou Shrine and Inari Shrine were merged into one, just like the husband-and-wife deities they worship here. The locals knew something special about this spot long before Makoto Shinkai chose it for "Your Name" - these steps have been the official guardian entrance to all eighteen districts of Yotsuya for over two centuries. Here's what most visitors miss: those aren't just decorative golden ornaments on the main building you'll see at the top. They're part of a complete 1989 restoration that saved the shrine from collapse, and tucked inside, the shrine preserves the "Thirty-Six Songs," Shinjuku City's designated cultural treasure that predates most of Tokyo's famous temples. The real magic happens every June during Suga Matsuri, when these same steps become part of a wild procession route that's been happening since the Edo period. But right now, you're experiencing what millions of "Your Name" fans dream about - standing exactly where Taki and Mitsuha had their final reunion, at the most romantically famous staircase in modern Japan.
Did You Know?
- Historical and Legendary Roots: Suga Shrine in Tokyo, established in 1634, is dedicated to the powerful Shinto deities Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, a divine couple believed to protect against disasters and bring good fortune—making it a popular spot for prayers for safety, love, and success. The shrine was originally the guardian of the eighteen districts of Yotsuya and, after the Meiji Restoration, merged with Gozutennou Shrine and Inari Shrine into its current form, preserving centuries of spiritual tradition.
- Anime Fame and the Iconic Otokozaka Stairs: The shrine gained international fame after its Otokozaka stairs (sometimes called 'otokodan') were featured in the emotional final scene of Makoto Shinkai’s blockbuster anime film 'Your Name'—turning the red-railed stairs into a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide who come to recreate the movie’s iconic moment and snap photos, especially during quiet mornings. The shrine now even sells 'Your Name'-themed souvenirs, embracing its pop culture status while maintaining its sacred atmosphere.
- Hidden Cultural Gems and Festivals: Beyond its anime connection, Suga Shrine houses the precious 'Thirty-Six Songs,' a tangible cultural property designated by Shinjuku City, and hosts the lively Suga Matsuri festival in early June, featuring vibrant street processions through Yotsuya. The shrine’s grounds offer a tranquil escape from Tokyo’s bustle, with lush greenery, traditional water purification pavilions, and multilingual fortune slips (omikuji), making it accessible and engaging for families and international visitors alike.