A Detailed Guide to the History and Overview of Yasukuni Shrine
Table of Contents
- Overview of Yasukuni Shrine
- History of Yasukuni Shrine
- Must-See Highlights of Yasukuni Shrine
- Festivals and Events at Yasukuni Shrine
- Access to Yasukuni Shrine
Introduction
Yasukuni Shrine, in Kudankita, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, enshrines more than 2,466,000 people who died for the nation in wars and conflicts from the late Edo period onward. The grounds include the Yushukan museum, and the shrine is known for its spring cherry blossoms and the lanterns of the Mitama Matsuri in summer.
Overview of Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine is dedicated to those who died in service to the nation. It was founded in 1869 (Meiji 2) as Tokyo Shokonsha and took its present name in 1879 (Meiji 12). Before the war it held the rank of Bekkaku Kanpeisha (Imperial Shrine of Special Status).
The approach leads from the First Torii through the Second Torii and the Shinmon Gate to the Worship Hall, and the grounds include the Yushukan, a museum displaying last letters and belongings of the war dead. It is also a well-known cherry blossom spot, and many visitors combine it with nearby Chidorigafuchi.
History of Yasukuni Shrine
1. 1869: Founding of Tokyo Shokonsha
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Following the end of the Boshin War (1868), Emperor Meiji ordered the establishment of a shrine to comfort the spirits of the war dead and pass on their achievements to future generations. On June 29, 1869 (Meiji 2), “Tokyo Shokonsha” was founded atop Kudan Hill in Tokyo.
The first main sanctuary was temporary; the present Main Sanctuary (Honden) was completed in 1872 (Meiji 5).
2. 1879: Renaming to Yasukuni Shrine
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On June 4, 1879 (Meiji 12), Tokyo Shokonsha was renamed “Yasukuni Shrine” and ranked as a Bekkaku Kanpeisha. The name was bestowed by Emperor Meiji and means “to bring peace to the nation.”
3. 1921: Construction of the Grand Torii Gate
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In 1921 (Taisho 10), the first Grand Torii (Otorii) was completed. It was then called the largest torii in Japan and was celebrated in song as the “great torii that pierces the sky.”
Weather damage led to its removal in 1943 (Showa 18). The present torii was rebuilt in 1974 (Showa 49), dedicated by former comrades in arms.
4. 1945: End of World War II and Transformation of the Shrine
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On December 15, 1945, after the war ended, the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (GHQ) issued the “Shinto Directive” to dismantle State Shinto. Yasukuni Shrine left state control and continued as a religious corporation without government support.
5. 1978: Enshrinement of Class-A War Criminals
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On October 17, 1978 (Showa 53), Yasukuni Shrine enshrined 14 individuals designated as Class-A war criminals by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (Tokyo Trials) as “Showa Martyrs.” This enshrinement was reported on April 19, 1979.
After the Prime Minister’s official visit in 1985, China and South Korea protested strongly, and the issue became a diplomatic dispute. Emperor Showa’s last visit to the shrine was in November 1975; in 2006, the “Tomita Memo,” which records the Emperor’s displeasure with the enshrinement, was reported and drew further debate.
6. Present Day: Continuing War Dead Commemoration and Debate
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The shrine now enshrines more than 2,466,000 spirits. Visits by the Prime Minister and cabinet members remain contested: China and South Korea object because of the Class-A enshrinement, while many in Japan see the shrine as a place to mourn the war dead.
Must-See Highlights of Yasukuni Shrine
Grand Torii Gate (Otorii)
The First Torii stands at the entrance at the top of Kudan Hill. The present gate was rebuilt in 1974 and is 25 meters tall.
Second Torii Gate
Standing midway along the approach, this gate was built in 1887 (Meiji 20) at the Osaka Army Arsenal. According to the shrine, it is the largest bronze torii in Japan.
Worship Hall (Haiden)
Built in 1901 (Meiji 34), this is where ordinary worshippers pray, at the offertory box in front of the hall. A white curtain (mitobari) bearing the chrysanthemum crest hangs at the front.
The Chumon Torii in front of the hall was rebuilt in 2006 using cypress from Saitama Prefecture.
Shinchi Teien (Sacred Pond Garden)
A strolling garden created in the early Meiji period. After restoration work in 1999, the shrine describes it as one of the finest gardens in Japan.
Its highlight is the takiishigumi waterfall rock arrangement, evoking a deep mountain setting; the straight granite bridge is, according to the shrine, the longest of its kind in Japan.
Yushukan Museum
Opened in 1882 (Meiji 15), the Yushukan was renovated and extended with a new wing in 2002. It has 22 exhibition rooms and two video halls, centered on the last letters and belongings of the enshrined and historical panels.
The free entrance hall displays a Type 0 carrier fighter Model 52 (Zero), C56 locomotive No. 31, a Type 89 15cm cannon and a Type 96 15cm howitzer.
In the paid Grand Exhibition Hall you will find a Suisei carrier bomber found in the jungle of Yap Island, a Kaiten human torpedo, an Ohka rocket-powered special attack aircraft and a Type 97 medium tank excavated on Saipan.
The route starts on the second floor and runs chronologically from ancient swords and armor through artifacts from the late Edo period to the Pacific War. Photography is not allowed in the exhibition rooms (it is allowed in the entrance hall and the Grand Exhibition Hall). Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Cherry Blossom Scenery
There are several hundred cherry trees. They trace back to trees first planted in 1870, the year after the shrine’s founding, and the Japan Meteorological Agency’s sample tree for Tokyo’s blooming announcement stands here.
The trees usually peak from late March to early April, and an evening Noh performance under the cherry blossoms is dedicated in early April.
Statue of Omura Masujiro
A statue of Omura Masujiro, founder of the modern Japanese army, who worked to establish the shrine. Erected in 1893 (Meiji 26), it is said to be Japan’s first Western-style bronze statue.
It was restored and cleaned in 2018.
Festivals and Events at Yasukuni Shrine
Spring Grand Festival (Reitaisai)
April 21-23. The spring and autumn grand festivals are the shrine’s most important rites. An imperial envoy attends the main-day rite on the 22nd, and dedicatory performances and a special flower exhibition take place during the festival.
Autumn Grand Festival (Reitaisai)
October 17-19. The purification rite (kiyoharai), main-day rite, second-day rite and naorai are held, and as in spring an imperial envoy attends the main-day rite on the 18th.
Mitama Matsuri (Festival of Souls)
A summer festival begun in 1947 and held July 13-16. More than 30,000 lanterns and kakebonbori lanterns bearing calligraphy by notable figures are hung in the grounds, and the grounds stay open for worship from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the festival.
5. Access to Yasukuni Shrine
■ By Train
The nearest station is Kudanshita (Tokyo Metro Tozai and Hanzomon Lines, Toei Shinjuku Line), about 5 minutes on foot from Exit 1. Ichigaya and Iidabashi stations on the JR Chuo-Sobu local line are about 10 minutes away.
■ By Car
The worshippers’ parking lot (8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) charges 300 yen per 30 minutes for cars. It can get crowded, so the shrine recommends public transportation.
Summary
The approach, Worship Hall, Shinchi Teien garden and the Yushukan entrance hall are free to see. If you also tour the Yushukan exhibition rooms, allow about two hours in total. Worship hours are extended during the grand festivals and the Mitama Matsuri, so check the dates before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
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