About
In a corner of Suga-cho, Shinjuku Ward, where tranquility and history are alive, the stone steps leading to Suga Shrine stand quietly. These steps are affectionately known locally as the “Otoko-dan” (Men’s Steps), with their vivid vermilion handrails standing out brightly. With each step you take, the hustle and bustle of the city fades away, and you feel your mind becoming calm.
These stone steps appeared in the climactic scene of director Makoto Shinkai’s 2016 film “Your Name.” and have become a sacred place visited by many fans. The scenery depicted in the film overlaps with reality, deeply moving the hearts of those who visit.
At the top of the steps, the precincts of Suga Shrine spread out. Since the early Edo period, this shrine has been cherished by the local people as the general guardian shrine of Yotsuya. The main deity, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, is worshipped as a god of warding off evil and expelling epidemics, and within the precincts are numerous historic sites that tell of its long history.
Within the grounds stands a pair of ginkgo trees over 400 years old, regarded as symbols of matchmaking and marital harmony. In addition, the ceiling inside the main hall is adorned with portraits of the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets, painted by the late Edo period artist Ooka Unpo, and these have been designated as tangible cultural properties of Shinjuku Ward. These cultural assets convey the traditional beauty of Japan to visitors.
Various festivals are held at Suga Shrine throughout the year. In particular, the annual grand festival in early June is known as one of the five major festivals of Edo and is bustling with many worshippers. At the Tori-no-Ichi fair in November, lucky rakes for prosperous business are given out, filling the precincts with lively energy.
Descending the steps, the city’s bustle returns, but a lingering sense of tranquility and history remains in your heart. This place, where the present and the past intersect, continues to be cherished by many people as a special space.