Yasukuni-jinja Shrine and the adjoining Yushukan Museum are at the heart of ongoing political controversy over the enshrinement of the souls of class A war criminals. However you feel about the war, there’s no doubt that it’s a fascinating and beautiful place to visit.
Yasukuni-jinja Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
The Imperial Shrine of Yasukuni, known more colloquially as Yasukuni Shrine (Yasukuni-jinja Shrine), is embroiled in controversy. This is where 14 of Japan’s Class A war criminals from WWII are enshrined. Official visits from cabinet members and prime ministers periodically cause furore within Japan as well as around East Asia. Whether you lean left or right on the issue, it is a fascinating place for anyone interested in Japanese history.
Yasukuni-jinja Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
There’s little question that the adjoining Yushukan Museum is an interesting institution. It presents the Japanese nationalist version of 19th and 20th century history, focusing on WWII history. However you feel about the war, it's well worth touring the exhibits.
Yasukuni-jinja Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
You’ll begin with a screening of a short propaganda film - English subtitles were removed recently - and work your way through the exhibits after. Those fluent in Japanese will notice that some of the English and Japanese exhibit captions say and emphasize different things, which is, to put it mildly, fascinating.
Yasukuni-jinja Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
In spring, visitors flock to the shrine for the stunning cherry blossom trees; while in autumn the avenue of golden gingko trees receives a great deal of attention. Yasukuni Shrine also draws visitors by the tens of thousands during the Mitama Festival in summer, when around 30,000 golden lanterns light up the approach to the shrine.
English name:
Yasukuni Shrine/Yushukan
Japanese name:
靖国神社／遊就館
English address:
3-1-1 Kudan-kita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8246
Japanese address:
〒102-8246 東京都千代田区九段北3-1-1
Opening hours:
9am-4:30pm (last entry 4pm)
Admission (Yushukan):
Adults: 1000
College students: 500
High and junior high school students: 300
Elementary school students: free
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 5-minute walk from exit 1 of Kudanshita Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon and Tozai lines, and Toei Shinjuku line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Yasukuni-jinja Shrine on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3261-8326
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Yasukuni-jinja Shrine is located in Tokyo's Imperial Palace district. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo's Imperial Palace district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
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- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- Get esssential travel insurance for Tokyo – World Nomads is well-regarded (and here's why)
