Atago Jinja is a shrine in the center of Tokyo's business district near Toranomon that's best known for its long, steep, ancient stone staircase.

Legend has it that a young ambitious Samurai climbed the steps on horseback (a truly dangerous feat) to deliver plum blossoms to the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Flowers held plenty of meaning for Samurai. The Shogun was pleased and the young Samurai advanced in the ranks. First he had to get his horse down off the hill, a feat that apparently took 40 minutes.