Yasukuni Shrine in Photos
What can I say about Yasukuni Shrine? Located in Chiyoda ward, the Meiji Emperor founded it in 1869. It is for those who fell fighting for Japan from the Boshin War to World War 2. Today it draws five million visitors per year. It is brilliant for photography.
At 6.24 hectares, it is big. Well, it’s not as big as Meiji Shrine. The many buildings, monuments, nooks, and crannies will keep photographers busy. If you are into shrines, cherry blossoms, or things military, Yasukuni needs to be on your bucket list.
I recommend entering it from the Kudanshita station side. At the entrance, you’ll be under a massive 25-meter high torii gate. The torii marks the start of the 500-meter-long ginkgo-lined causeway. It is a great place to walk in autumn when the trees turn yellow.
In the middle of the causeway is an enormous pillar upon which is Japan’s first bronze statue. It is of Masujirō Ōmura (considered by many to be the father of the modern Japanese military). Continue, and you will enter one of Tokyo’s most famous shrines.
Yasukuni Shrine Points of Interest
This shrine impresses. Everything is big. The torii gates on the causeway tower over visitors, as do statues. What else is there?
- Cherry blossoms – these are all over the place, but they only bloom in spring. One of them is used to determine when the Tokyo season for the trees starts.
- Chinreisha – this shrine is dedicated to those who fought and died in conflict with Japan. It is tiny. Currently, it is behind a locked gate.
- Main Hall – It is a beautiful building with great architecture. A word of warning here – the area in front of its steps is sacred ground. Taking pictures is forbidden there.
- Military Museum (Yushukan). If you are interested in history, it has some great displays. Its foyer even has a Zero fighter! Entry is ¥1000.
- Mitama Festival – it honors Japan’s war dead and takes place in July. For the festival, the complex is lit by 30,000 lanterns. Many people go in yukatas.
Omikoshi (portable shrines) are paraded along the causeway to the main hall. It is big and noisy!
Best time to photograph
- Mitama Festival in summer.
- Cherry blossom season in spring (2022 photos here).
- Yasukuni’s entrance is fantastic when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow in autumn.
Where is Yasukuni Shrine?
It is within walking distance from the Imperial Palace.
Address: 3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train stations:
1. Ichigaya, served by these lines:
- Chuo-Sobu
- Namboku Metro
- Yurakucho Metro
2. Iidabashi, served by these lines:
- Namboku Metro
- Toei Oedo
- Tozai Metro
- Yurakucho Metro
3. Kudanshita, served by these lines:
- Hanzomon Metro
- Shinjuku
- Tozai Metro
Opening hours
6 AM to 6 PM
Is free WIFI available?
Yes.
Conclusion
Going to Yasukuni Shrine is an experience. It is one of the most revered places in Japan. And considering how many people might be there on any given day, it is tranquil. But it has lively festivals like the Mitama that energize its hot summer nights.
Yasukuni is for you if you want to see one of Tokyo’s most important shrines, a military museum, and cherry blossoms. Well, you will have to go in spring to see the flowers! But, there is enough in any season to make it worth a visit, especially with a camera. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more shrine articles:
External related websites:
- Yasukuni Shrine (official website)