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Yasukuni Jinja (Yasukuni Shrine)
〒102-0073 東京都千代田区九段北３丁目１−１
Located in Kudankita, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, this shrine enshrines approximately 2.466 million souls who died in service to the nation since the Meiji Restoration. It was founded on June 29, 1869 (Meiji 2), by imperial decree of Emperor Meiji as 'Tokyo Kyuunkonsha' to console the spirits of those who sacrificed their lives for the country during the Boshin War. In 1879 (Meiji 12), it was renamed 'Yasukuni Jinja' and classified as a special official shrine. The name 'Yasukuni' means 'to pacify the nation,' chosen by Emperor Meiji. The annual festivals are the Spring Grand Festival held from April 21–23 and the Autumn Grand Festival held from October 17–20. The cherry blossoms within the precincts are well-known, as the site includes the standard tree used by the Japan Meteorological Agency in Tokyo to announce the start of the cherry blossom season, making it a popular spot for hanami (flower viewing).
History
Founded in 1869 to enshrine the spirits of those who gave their lives for the country following the Meiji Restoration.
Blessings
As a representative shrine of Tokyo, it attracts many worshippers and tourists.
What visitors say
The shrine boasts a vast grounds with an imposing presence, featuring large torii gates, a temizuya (water purification pavilion), and ginkgo tree avenues. The precincts are enveloped in a solemn and sacred atmosphere. Highlights include the standard cherry blossom tree and the Yushukan Museum. Convenience for visitors is also well-established, with facilities for receiving Goshuin (calligraphic seal stamps) and rest areas at restaurants along the approach.
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 – 18:00
- Tuesday: 6:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday: 6:00 – 18:00
- Thursday: 6:00 – 18:00
- Friday: 6:00 – 18:00
- Saturday: 6:00 – 18:00
- Sunday: 6:00 – 18:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (New Year Festival)
The New Year Festival is performed at the dawn of New Year's Day, accompanied by the temple bell.
At midnight on January 1, the temple bell is rung 21 times in a sequence of three sets of seven, echoing through the Kikujicho grounds. The New Year Festival is performed to pray for national stability and the peace of the people.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・New Year's Day temple bell
- ・Prayers for national stability
- ・Hatsumode at Kikujicho
- April 21-23Spring Annual Grand Festival
The most important festival at Yasukuni Shrine, held in the spring.
The annual grand festivals held in spring and autumn are the most important ceremonies at Yasukuni Shrine. Under the presence of imperial envoys, the spirits of those who gave their lives for the country are pacified.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Most important festival
- ・Presence of imperial envoys
- ・Pacification of the spirits
- July 13-16Mitamamatsuri (Summer Festival)
A summer tradition in Tokyo featuring over 30,000 swaying lanterns.
A summer festival to pacify the spirits. Over 30,000 lanterns and offering lights are hung in the shrine grounds, making it a bustling summer tradition in Tokyo with many visitors.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Over 30,000 lanterns and offering lights
- ・Tokyo summer tradition
- ・Mikoshi (portable shrines) and Bon Odori (Bon dance)
- October 17-19Autumn Annual Grand Festival
The most important festival at Yasukuni Shrine, held in the autumn.
The most important festival, on par with the spring edition. Imperial envoys attend to offer gratitude to the spirits.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Most important festival
- ・Presence of imperial envoys
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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