World's Most Dangerous Staircase in Japan: A Slight Mistake Means Instant Death

• The 'scariest staircase' is located in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, built on a 10-meter-high concrete embankment wall along the Maze River.
• It appears like a vertical iron ladder with an almost 90-degree angle, making it extremely difficult to climb or descend.
• The staircase was hastily constructed in the early 1960s to allow local residents access to the Maze River for fishing after a flood protection embankment was built.
• Its extreme danger stems from a 1:1 'tread-to-riser' ratio, narrow steps, a rusty railing, and slippery conditions after rain.
• Gero's tourism department refuses to promote it due to high injury risk, stating visitors are responsible for their own safety.

Why It Matters: Japan's 'scariest staircase' in Gero City is a perilous, almost vertical structure with high risk of injury.