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Yasukuni Shrine

A shrine dedicated to the spirits of those who sacrificed their lives for the country.

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The shrine was founded in 1869 by Emperor Meiji with the aim of comforting and memorializing the spirits of those who had given their lives for the nation in the turbulent times of the Meiji Restoration. The shrine's name, "Yasukuni," is imbued with a wish for the establishment of a peaceful nation.

Upon entering Yasukuni Shrine from Kudanshita Station on the Tokyo Metro Line, the first thing you see is the magnificent "Daiichi Torii (First Shinto Shrine Arch)," which stands 25 meters tall. It was built in 1921 as the "largest torii gate in Japan," but was removed in 1943 due to damage from years of wind and rain, and then rebuilt in 1974.

As you walk along the shrine's approach, take in all there is to see, from the " Statue of Omura Masujiro", Tokyo's first Western-style bronze statue, and the "Daini Torii (Second Shinto Shrine Arch)," which boasts the largest size of any bronze torii gate in Japan. Steal your heart away in the solemn atmosphere sat over the main hall, and the Honden (Main Sanctuary).

To the right of the Haiden (Main Hall) is the "Yushukan," which displays valuable historical materials such as the sacred documents and artifacts of the deities worshipped, as well as a Zero fighter plane. Behind the Honden (Main Sanctuary) is the "Shinchi Teien," a strolling-style garden built in the early Meiji period. The shrine is not only a place of worship but also a place where you can see, feel, and learn about Japanese history.

Yasukuni Shrine is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, as well as for its numerous festivals and events like "Spring Festival" in April, the "Mitama Festival" in July, and the "Autumn Festival" in October.

Highlights

  • Shrine with a venerable history, founded by Emperor Meiji.
  • The shrine lauds the spirits of over 2.466 million war dead, from patriots of the end of the Edo period to those of the last war.
  • The "Yushukan" displays sacred documents, artifacts, and weapons of the enshrined deities, among other valuable exhibits.
  • Behind the Honden (Main Sanctuary) is one of Japan's finest gardens, the "Shinchi Teien."
  • The shrine is home to the sample tree used by the Tokyo Meteorological Observatory for its annual cherry blossom viewing.

Photos

  • The Haiden (Main Hall) where general visitors offer prayers

    The Haiden (Main Hall) where general visitors offer prayers

  • You can offer formal prayers at the Honden (Main Sanctuary)

    You can offer formal prayers at the Honden (Main Sanctuary)

  • The "Daiichi Torii (First Shinto Shrine Arch)," standing 25 meters tall and with a commanding presence

    The "Daiichi Torii (First Shinto Shrine Arch)," standing 25 meters tall and with a commanding presence

  • The Yushukan, which houses a collection of valuable war materials and weapons (admission fee required)

    The Yushukan, which houses a collection of valuable war materials and weapons (admission fee required)

  • One of Tokyo's finest gardens, the Shinchi Teien

    One of Tokyo's finest gardens, the Shinchi Teien

  • In spring, 500 cherry trees bloom and color the grounds.

    In spring, 500 cherry trees bloom and color the grounds.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

English, Simplified Chinese and Korean are available.

Q

Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?

A

Yes, we do. In addition to the regular shrine stamp, we also offer a seasonal embroidered stamp.

Q

Is there a parking lot?

A

Yes, we have parking for 70 vehicles (300 yen per 30 minutes). Please use public transportation during event periods.

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Details

Name in Japanese
靖國神社
Postal Code
102-8246
Address
3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Telephone
03-3261-8326
Closed
No holidays
Hours
Jan.-Feb. and Nov.-Dec.: From 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Mar.-Oct.: From 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
*During events, there may be changes to the schedule.
Admission
Free
Access
(1) About 5 minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Kudanshita Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line or the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line or Hanzonomon Line
(2) About 10 minutes on foot from Iidabashi Station or Ichigaya Station on the JR Chuo / Sobu Lines
Official Website
Official Website (English)