Atago Shrine from Iwama

At just 2.7km, Atago Shrine from Iwama is short but deceptively intense — 247m of elevation packed into a brief, breathless effort. The average gradient of 9.3% disguises ramps of 21.6% — the kind of gradient that turns plans into prayers. The 5 hairpin turns break up the climb, each one revealing a new perspective on the road ahead. Located in Ibaraki, Japan.