Kudanzaka
A famous cherry blossom viewing spot with a beautiful cityscape
The name Kudan ("Nine Steps") is said to stem from the fact that in the past, there were nine stone steps down the slope, with nine daimyo terrace houses built alongside each step. During the Edo Period (1603–1868), the slope was famous for its magnificent views, with the Chidori-ga-fuchi moat and Yasukuni Shrine also located along the slope. The slope provides beautiful cityscape views and these days is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. Numerous historical schools stand along the northern side of the slope.
Right next to Kudanshita Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line
Location From 1-chome Kudan-kita/1-chome Kudan-minami, Chiyoda City to 2-chome Kudan-kita/2-chome Kudan-minami, Chiyoda City
From the Kudanshita Intersection on Yasukuni-dori Street to the Kudanzaka-ue Intersection
Sankozaka
A slope sharing the history of Shirokane in Minato City
Sankozaka has existed on the Shirokane plateau since the Edo Period. The slope's name is said to stem from a three-leafed pine tree growing on the grounds of Senshin-ji Temple, located at the bottom of the slope, which was referred to as sanko. The slope is lined with luxury houses, and at the top, you can see an avenue of ginkgo trees leading to the front gate of Sacred Heart School.
4-min.walk from Shirokane-takanawa Station on the Toei Mita Line
Location Between 2-chome and 4-chome Shirokane, Minato City
The slope that passes in front of Senshin-ji Temple when traveling from the Sankozakashita Intersection on Shirokane-Kitasato-dori Street
Muenzaka
The stage for a Mori Ogai novel
This gentle slope leads from Shinobazu Pond down alongside the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens to The University of Tokyo. Muenzaka slope is famous both as the strolling route of the main character in Mori Ogai's novel The Wild Geese, the young medical student Okada, and as the setting of a song with the slope's name that was written and composed by Sada Masashi. The slope's name is said to derive from the Muen-ji Temple that once stood at the top of the slope. The sight of the long, continuous stone wall creates a sense of serenity.
9-min.walk from Ueno-okachimachi Station on the Toei Oedo Line
Location From between 4-chome Yushima, Bunkyo City and 1-chome Ikenohata, Taito City, to between 7-chome Hongo, Bunkyo City and 4-chome Yushima, Bunkyo City
The slope ascending from 1-chome Ikenohata, Taito City to 4-chome Yushima, Bunkyo City
Katsurazaka
An ancient slope in Takanawa, Minato City
This slope ascends from Daiichi Keihin near Sengaku-ji Temple in the direction of the Takanawa Police Station. The slope's name is said to derive from the slope being covered in vines and creepers (tsutakazura) in days gone by, or alternatively from the sudden death of a priest who wore a wig (katsura). In front of the slope is the building of the Takanawa Fire Dept, Nihonenoki Branch, which is famous as a historical building.
5-min.walk from Sengakuji Station on the Toei Asakusa Line
Location Border between 2-chome 12 ban and 3-chome 19 ban Takanawa, Minato City.
From the Takanawa 2-chome Intersection on the Daiichi Keihin National Road to near the Toshiba Yamaguchi Memorial Hall
Hinashizaka/Fujimizaka
A slope with an atmosphere that is beloved by locals
This is one of the steepest slopes in Tokyo. From the top of the slope, there are sweeping views of Shinjuku's skyscrapers. Fujimizaka is so-named because in the past, it was possible to view Mt. Fuji from there. Hinashizaka is characterized by the way it branches off partway up the Fujimizaka into a Y-shape and continues on as steps. Hinashizaka is said to have gotten its name from the fact that the slope was once overgrown with trees that blocked out sunlight.
5-min.walk from Omokagebashi Stop on the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)
Location Between 1-chome Mejirodai, Bunkyo City and 1-chome Takada, Toshima City
The slope passes along Omokagebashi, then rises north-northeast towards Mejiro-dori Street at the top.
Gotenzaka
A tranquil historical atmosphere
With a total length of 50 m, this slope is lined with verdant greenery. Partway up the slope is the Hongyo-ji Temple as well as monuments to the poets Kobayashi Issa and Taneda Santoka. The slope leads to Yanaka has disappeared due to the development of train stations and roads, but the top part of the slope has remained and forms the slope that exists today. The slope continues on to Yuyake Dandan and the Yanaka-Ginza Shopping Street.
2-min.walk from Nippori Station on the Nippori-toneri Liner
Location Between 7-chome Yanaka, Taito City and 3-chome Nishi-Nippori, Arakawa City
The slope going from Nippori Station towards Yanaka-Ginza
