Utagawa Hiroshige – One Hundred Famous Views of Edo – 113 – Winter – Atago Shita Yabu-koji 歌川広重-名所江戸百景-113-冬-愛宕下薮小路
Current Address: Atago Shita, Minato Ward
Latitude and Longitude: Latitude: 35.6626, Longitude: 139.7487
Published: December 1857 Age: 61
Tourist Guide-Style Commentary: “Atago Shita Yabu-koji”
■ Introduction
Utagawa Hiroshige’s “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” is a series of paintings that vividly capture the four seasons of Edo, skillfully blending town life with nature.
One of the paintings, “Atago Shita Yabu-koji,” depicts a townscape at the foot of Mount Atago, near the center of Edo.
Mount Atago was a famous spot worshipped by the people of Edo as the “god of fire prevention.”
The surrounding area was lined with bustling streets and samurai residences.
■Atagoyama and Atagoshita
Atagoyama is the highest natural mountain in Edo (26m above sea level). Atago Shrine is located at its summit and is deeply revered as the god of fire prevention.
Atagoshita is the area at the foot of the mountain, where samurai residences and townhouses are neatly lined and lush alleyways remain.
As the name “Yabu-koji” suggests, the area is dotted with bamboo groves and groves, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
■Highlights of the Painting
The painting on the right is Atagoyama, through which flows a drainage channel known as the Sakuragawa River.
Although the river appears to flow from the back to the foreground, it actually flows from the reservoir through Atago and into Shinagawa.
It has been pointed out that this is the opposite direction.
If you go further down the alley, you will come to a large street leading to Zojoji Temple.
On the right side of the road, the red gate of Shinpukuji Temple, located north of Mount Atago, stands out against the white snow.
On the left is the main residence of the Hijikata family, a feudal lord of Komono.
In the foreground is the residence of Kato Etchu-no-kami of Minakuchi, Goshu.
The bamboo grove in the foreground was planted to ward off evil spirits, in honor of Kato Kiyomasa’s ancestor, who once slew a tiger in a Korean bamboo grove.
The building straddling the Sakuragawa River is the Kato family’s crossroads guardhouse.
■Walking through Atagoshita Today
Atago Shrine, known for its “Stone Steps of Success,” is still located at the top of the mountain, offering a glimpse into the faith and scenery of the Edo period.
The streets of Atagoshita are now developed as an office district.
Greenery remains around the shrine, giving you a glimpse of the Edo period’s lush alleys.
■ Tourist Guide Recommendations
- Visit and Stroll at Atago Shrine
Climb the Successful Stone Steps to enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Tokyo, just like in the Edo period. - Sightseeing in the Surrounding Area
Nearby attractions like Toranomon, Shiba Park, and Zojoji Temple make this the perfect route to retrace the footsteps of Edo culture.
