Hokkaido Shrine
北海道神宮
Hokkaido · Sapporo
Independent Ichinomiya Development
Bekkaku Kanpeisha
Yasukuni Shrine
靖国神社
/ Yasukuni Jinja
Admission
Free (Yushukan museum: 1,000 JPY)
Goshuin
500 JPY
Access
5 min walk
Hours
Open daily, 6:00-18:00 (varies by season)
Overview
Yasukuni Shrine is among the most significant and politically sensitive religious sites in Japan, enshrining over 2.46 million individuals who died in service of the Japanese state from the Boshin War of 1868 through World War II. The shrine's Symbolic Registry lists military personnel, nurses, factory workers, and others. The shrine became internationally controversial after the 1978 enshrinement of fourteen Class A war criminals, including wartime Prime Minister Tojo Hideki. Visits by Japanese prime ministers and government officials continue to draw diplomatic protests, particularly from China and South Korea. Regardless of political perspectives, the shrine is architecturally notable for its massive bronze torii (one of the largest in Japan), the Yushukan military history museum, and its role as the official cherry blossom viewing reference point for Tokyo.
History
Founding
📄
Documented
1869 Source: Imperial edict
1869📄Documented
Founded as Shokonsha by Emperor Meiji
1879📄Documented
Renamed Yasukuni Jinja
1978📄Documented
Class A war criminals secretly enshrined
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
The 2,466,000 spirits enshrined at Yasukuni Shrine who died in Japan's modern wars
Blessings
Shrine Network
Independent head
Did You Know?
💡
The shrine's cherry trees serve as the official reference point for the Japan Meteorological Agency's cherry blossom opening declaration in Tokyo.
Source: documented
💡
The name 'Yasukuni' was chosen by Emperor Meiji from a phrase in the Chinese classic Zuo Zhuan meaning 'pacifying the nation.'
Source: documented
💡
The shrine is independent from the Association of Shinto Shrines (Jinja Honcho) and is therefore not a betsu-hyou shrine, though it holds equivalent or higher status.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.6940, 139.7440
Physical Address
3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda, Tokyo
東京都千代田区九段北3-1-1
Historical Province
Musashi
Access
Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro)
5 min walk
Hours
Open daily, 6:00-18:00 (varies by season)
Best Times to Visit
spring
Foreign Language Support
EnglishChineseKorean
Accessibility
Good
Official Website
https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
Understanding Yasukuni is essential for understanding modern Japan's relationship with its wartime past, the intersection of religion and politics, and ongoing East Asian diplomatic dynamics. The shrine is also significant as a cherry blossom landmark and architectural site.
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Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Yasukuni Shrine?
Yasukuni Shrine is among the most significant and politically sensitive religious sites in Japan, enshrining over 2.46 million individuals who died in service of the Japanese state from the Boshin War of 1868 through World War II. The shrine's Symbolic Registry lists military personnel, nurses, factory workers, and others. The shrine became internationally controversial after the 1978 enshrinement of fourteen Class A war criminals, including wartime Prime Minister Tojo Hideki. Visits by Japanese prime ministers and government officials continue to draw diplomatic protests, particularly from China and South Korea. Regardless of political perspectives, the shrine is architecturally notable for its massive bronze torii (one of the largest in Japan), the Yushukan military history museum, and its role as the official cherry blossom viewing reference point for Tokyo.
Where is Yasukuni Shrine located?
Yasukuni Shrine is located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The full address is: 3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda, Tokyo.
What deities are enshrined at Yasukuni Shrine?
The enshrined deities are: Spirits of the War Dead (2,466,000).
What blessings can you pray for at Yasukuni Shrine?
Yasukuni Shrine is known for: National Protection, Peace, Remembrance.
How do I get to Yasukuni Shrine?
The nearest station is Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro). It is about a 5-minute walk from the station.