The higher, the holier. The slope from the entrance to Toshogu shrine at Level 0 to Level 1 was gentle, but thereafter there were high, stone steps, sometimes without handrails. From Level 1 to 2: 17 steps. From 2 to 3: 22 steps, no handrail. From 3 to 4: 12 steps, no handrail. From Level 4 to the masoleum (off the map at the top): >200 steps (we didn't try).

December 30, 2015