Obake Kaidan: Tokyo's Mysterious Ghost Stairs
Discover the mystery of Tokyo's Obake Kaidan, the 'Ghost Stairs' with a perplexing step count. A quirky landmark in Nezu.
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
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- 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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Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
