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Yasukuni Shrine

, Chiyoda City, Tokyo

Description

Yasukuni Shrine (or Yasukuni Jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in the centre of Tokyo, close to the Imperial Palace. It commemorates those who died in service of Japan since the Meiji era (Boshin War of 1868-69) with nearly 2.5m names listed, most of whom casualties from WW2. The fact that over 1,000 of those are convicted war criminals, 14 of whom are A-Class, is a tense topic of controversies when dignitaries visit. Within the complex, there are many religious structures and gates (Torii and Mon) and the Yūshūkan military and war museum.

Access & Transport

The shrine is only a few hundred meters to the northeast of the Imperial Palace. The Kudanshita metro station (S, Z, T) is 300m away and bus stop 'Kudan-ue' is right next to the entrance (Kudanshita-Takadanobaba and Shibuya-Ochanomizu lines). There is a free car park reseved for visitors taking part in formal worship at the Main Sanctuary. Directions: https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/access.html

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining his activity with a walk around the Imperial Palace or an exploration of the Kagurazaka neighbourhood, only 15mins' walk away.

Meta review

The shrine is extremely well rated by visitors - except for the Chinese and Koreans who see it as a symbol of unrepentant Japanese aggression. It is generally quite busy with domestic worshippers and, besides its gates, the highlights are the cherry trees (especially when in bloom) and the garden at the back. The military museum is described as being of good quality.

Environmental & Social

No carbon footprint linked to visits and green spaces. Commemorates lives lost during wars with some caveats for the identity of a few people on the list

Conclusion

Yasukuni blends Shinto temples and historical monuments in a convenient location. We think the controversy should not extend to visits by private individuals since you (yourself) know what you are commemorating and thinking about when going there. Recommended

Key positive

Relaxing and clean design

Historical aspects

Key negative

Clearing up the list would make the shrine less contentious

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 01

Season 1

MONDAY06:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY06:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY06:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY06:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY06:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY06:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY06:00 - 18:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY06:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY06:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY06:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY06:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY06:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY06:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY06:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Free

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