Yasukuni Shrine

Welcome to Yasukuni Shrine, one of the most significant and debated landmarks in modern Japan. Located in the heart of Tokyo, this Shinto shrine serves as a memorial to nearly two and a half million souls who died in service to…

Your journey begins at the massive First Torii gate, a towering steel structure that marks the entrance to the sacred grounds. As you walk down the long approach lined with cherry trees—some of which are the benchmark trees used…

As you continue toward the inner sanctuary, you will pass through the Chumon Torii and arrive at the Main Gate, a magnificent wooden structure. What immediately catches the eye are the two large, golden chrysanthemums emblazoned…

The Haiden, or Main Hall of Worship, is the focal point for most visitors to Yasukuni. It is a relatively simple wooden structure, following the classical Shinto style, where people come to offer prayers and pay their respects. …

To the left of the main hall, the grounds contain several smaller monuments that speak to the broader impact of war beyond the battlefield. One of the most touching areas is dedicated to the animals that served in the military. …

The Yūshūkan is the large museum located within the shrine precincts, and it is arguably the most controversial part of the entire complex. As one of Japan's few museums focused entirely on military history and World War II, it…

As you leave the grounds of Yasukuni and step back into the neon-lit energy of modern Tokyo, you may feel a sense of unease. This is the enduring power of Yasukuni—it is a place that refuses to let the past settle quietly into…