Japan Nuggets

If you’ve ever visited a temple or shrine in Japan and found yourself out of breath after climbing hundreds of stone steps, you’re not alone.

Many sacred sites in Japan are located on hillsides or mountains. Reaching them often involves a steady uphill walk.

But these steps aren’t there just to test your fitness.

In Japan, sacred spaces are often closely connected to nature. Mountains, forests, rivers, and waterfalls are seen as spiritually powerful places. In Shinto tradition, nature is not just scenery – it’s part of the sacred world itself.

So, when a shrine sits halfway up a mountain, it isn’t there despite the landscape, it’s there because of it.

Stairs simply became the most practical way to reach these places.

Over time, people also began to see the ascent itself as meaningful. Passing through gates, walking forest paths, and climbing steps helps move away from everyday life and towards a sacred space.

By the time you arrive, you’re already in a different mental space.

There are also very practical reasons. Elevated locations offered protection from floods and fires. Seclusion from towns and political centers was valued. And hilltops provided quiet environments for prayer and meditation.

Even today, the long approach is part of what makes visiting these places memorable. The climb slows you down. It removes distractions. And it’s rewarding.

Reaching the shrine or temple feels earned rather than instant.

It’s worth it every time.

Did you know?

• To reach the inner shrine of Kotohira-gū (Konpira-san) on Mount Zōzu, you need to climb 1,300+ stone steps. A pilgrimage and workout combined!
• On pilgrimage routes like the Kumano Kodō, walking long distances through mountains is itself considered part of spiritual purification—not just reaching the shrine or temple.
• During festivals, visitors sometimes wear colorful traditional clothing such as yukata while climbing shrine steps, especially in summer celebrations.