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Yasukuni Shrine Frommer's Highly Recommended

Hours Shrine daily 24 hr.; Yushukan daily 9am-5:30pm (to 5pm Nov-Feb)
Address 3-1-1 Kudan-kita
Location Chiyoda-ku
Transportation Station: Kudanshita (3 min.) or Ichigaya or Iidabashi (7 min.). On Yasukuni Dori
Phone 03/3261-8326
Web site www.yasukuni.or.jp
Prices Free admission to shrine; Yushukan ¥800 ($7.60) adults, ¥500 ($4.75) high school and college students, ¥300 ($2.85) children

Frommer's Review

Built in 1869 to commemorate Japanese war dead, Yasukuni Shrine is constructed in classic Shinto style, with a huge steel torii gate at its entrance. During times of war, soldiers were told that if they died fighting for their country, their spirits would find glory here; even today, it's believed that the spirits of some 2.5 million Japanese war dead are at home here, where they are worshipped as deities. During any day of the week, you're likely to encounter older Japanese paying their respects to friends and families who perished in World War II. But every August 15 the shrine is thrust into the national spotlight when World War II memorials are held. Visits by prime ministers cause national uproars and outrage among Japan's Asian neighbors, who think it improper for a prime minister to visit -- and thereby condone -- a shrine so closely tied to Japan's nationalistic and militaristic past.

On the shrine's grounds is a war memorial museum, the Yushukan. It chronicles the rise and fall of the samurai, the Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, and world wars I and II, though explanations in English are rather vague and Japan's military aggression in Asia is glossed over. Still, a fascinating 90 minutes can be spent here gazing on samurai armor, uniforms, tanks, guns, and artillery, as well as such thought-provoking displays as a human torpedo (a tiny submarine guided by one occupant and loaded with explosives) and a suicide attack plane. But the most chilling displays are the seemingly endless photographs of war dead, some of them very young teenagers. In stark contrast to the somberness of the museum, temporary exhibits of beautiful ikebana (Japanese flower arrangements) and bonsai are often held on the shrine grounds in rows of glass cases. Yasukuni Shrine is also famous for its cherry blossoms.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Home > Destinations > Asia > Japan > Tokyo > Attractions > Yasukuni Shrine