Obake kaidan, Aki Travel Guide

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Discover the mystery of Tokyo's Obake Kaidan, the 'Ghost Stairs' with a perplexing step count. A quirky landmark in Nezu.

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Obake kaidan

Obake Kaidan, or "Ghost Stairs," is a peculiar stone staircase in Tokyo's Nezu district, known for having a different number of steps when ascending versus descending. With 40 steps going up and 39 coming down, it's a local oddity steeped in urban legends.

A brief summary to Obake kaidan

2 Chome-20 Yayoi, Bunkyo City, 2 Chome Yayoi, Tokyo, 113-0032, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Obake kaidan.

Visit during daylight hours to better observe the unique characteristics of the staircase and the surrounding Nezu neighborhood.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Nezu Shrine for a richer cultural experience.
Take your time counting the steps to see if you can unravel the mystery yourself!

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Explore Obake kaidan on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Obake kaidan, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Nezu Station on the Chiyoda Line, walk approximately 5 minutes to Obake Kaidan. Exit the station and follow the signs towards Nezu Shrine. The staircase is located near the shrine.
Walking

From Nippori or Ueno, it's about a 20-minute walk to Obake Kaidan. Use a map to navigate through the Nezu neighborhood, enjoying the traditional streets and atmosphere. The stairs are near Nezu Shrine, a well-known landmark.
Taxi

A short taxi ride from Ueno or Tokyo University will bring you close to Obake Kaidan. Tell the driver to go to Nezu Shrine (Nezu Jinja); the stairs are a short walk from there. A taxi from Ueno Station to the Nezu area typically costs between ¥800 and ¥1,200.

Discover more about Obake kaidan

Located in the charming Nezu district of Tokyo, Obake Kaidan presents a unique and slightly eerie experience. These stone stairs are famous for a numerical anomaly: they appear to have 40 steps when you climb up, but only 39 when you descend. This has led to its nickname, which translates to "Ghost Stairs".Once narrow and dark, the staircase underwent renovations, adding a handrail and doubling its width. However, the steps on the left side still trail off unexpectedly, and the steps remain uneven, preserving a mysterious atmosphere.Numerous urban legends surround Obake Kaidan, with some claiming the steps are made of gravestones or that counting them leads to misfortune. The truth is less sinister: the bottom step is exceptionally flat, often blending into the ground and causing it to be missed when descending. Despite the simple explanation, the stairs continue to fascinate visitors.