Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Yasukuni Shrine is a shrine located in Kudankita, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and was built to honor war dead after the Meiji Restoration for the nation. Its distinctive character as a shrine dedicated to the spirits of the war dead makes it well-known for its visitors from all over the country and its year-round festivals. In addition to the main hall, the shrine grounds include the government office, a Noh stage, a large torii gate on the approach to the shrine, and the Yushukan Museum, which exhibits war history materials.
It is a historically and socially important and controversial site that has been the subject of political interest both domestically and internationally.However, it is also a popular tourist and walking spot, thanks to its seasonal scenery, festivals (e.g. the lanterns at the Mitama Matsuri Festival), and surrounding green spaces (Kitanomaru Park and Kitanomaru).
Highlights
- The large torii gate and the approach to the shrine: The tall torii gate and the quiet approach to the shrine are great photo spots. You can experience the proper procedure for worship (one bow at the torii gate, purify yourself with the water basin, two bows, two claps, and one bow at the main hall).
- Main hall and worship hall: The majestic shrine building evokes the feeling of Japanese shrine architecture.
- Yushukan Museum: Exhibits materials related to military history and war dead. The exhibits are specialized and open to interpretation, so it's best to check the contents before visiting (there is an admission fee).
- Mitama Matsuri (Summer Festival, mid-July): A famous summer event where thousands of lanterns are lined up. At night, it creates a fantastical scene.
- Seasonal scenery: Enjoy strolling through the trees within the temple grounds and the surrounding cherry blossoms (nearby Chidorigafuchi and Kitanomaru Parks) throughout the seasons.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Address: 3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest station: The nearest station is "Kudanshita" (Kudanshita Station), not "Kudanshita" (Kudanshita Station). It is about a 5-8 minute walk from "Kudanshita Station" on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line, and Toei Subway Shinjuku Line.
- Other access: Accessible by foot or bus from JR Ichigaya Station, Iidabashi Station, or Yotsuya Station. From Tokyo Station, it takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes by subway or JR.
- By car: Parking is limited in the area, and it can get crowded, especially on festival days and during the New Year's visit period, so we recommend using public transportation.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Visiting the temple grounds only: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- If you visit the Yushukan Museum: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in total
- Festivals and night events (such as the Mitama Festival): Stay time varies depending on the event (1 hour to several hours)
Nearby spots
- Kitanomaru Park and Nippon Budokan (a few minutes walk) — Famous for strolling and concert venues.
- Chidorigafuchi (cherry blossom viewing spot/boat ride) — Popular during the spring cherry blossom viewing season.
- The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation and the National Museum of Modern Art (within walking distance) are convenient for museums and art appreciation.
- Imperial Palace Outer Gardens and the surrounding area (walk or a short trip) — A great place to explore the green spaces in the city.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The areas around the shrine for the first visit of the New Year, the Mitama Matsuri, and the anniversary of the end of the war (August 15th) can be particularly crowded, with media coverage and gatherings taking place. It is best to check the crowd situation beforehand before visiting.
- Political considerations: Yasukuni Shrine is a site of historical and political controversy, so please be careful when making personal political statements, taking photographs, or posting posters. Please be considerate of other worshippers and related parties. We recommend that you stay away if demonstrations or protests are taking place.
- Visiting and photography etiquette: Please respect the proper etiquette for praying and visiting within the grounds. When festivals or religious ceremonies are taking place, please follow the instructions and refrain from taking photos in areas where there are signs prohibiting photography.
- Opening and Closing Information: Some facilities, such as the Yushukan Museum, have opening hours and closing days that require a fee, so please check the official website in advance.
- Dress code and etiquette: Shrines are religious facilities. Please refrain from making loud noises, bringing food and drinks, or smoking, and cooperate in maintaining the cleanliness of the grounds.
- Seasonal notes: Summer festivals can be crowded at night, and in winter it gets dark early in the morning and evening, so please take precautions against the cold and safety. The surrounding parks are very crowded during cherry blossom viewing season.
Please check the official website and the latest information on local transportation before visiting. Enjoy your visit and sightseeing in safety and with good manners.
