Â鶹APP

Photo by Dakiny from

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Yasukuni Shrine

Established in 1869, the Yasukuni shrine is located in Chiyoda, a district of Tokyo.

It was founded by Emperor Meiji to commemorate those who died in service of Japan during the wars.

Souls of Soldiers who have died in service of Japan during the Wars are believed to rest in the shrine.

Although most of the soldiers died in the time of conflict, the name of the shrine itself means a Peaceful Country.

In the early years of the history of Japan, the shrine’s original name was Shonkasha.

Here are some of the top interesting facts about the Yasukuni shrine in Japan.

1. Yasukuni Shrine is a Religious Site

Photo by Dakiny from

Yasukuni shrine is believed to house the actual souls of dead Japanese soldiers, who died in the service of their country.

Second World War soldiers went on Kamikaze suicide missions, in the belief that they would meet at the Yasukuni shrine after their death.

The history of Yasukuni Shrine as a site of enshrinement for the dead war heroes dates back to its establishment in 1869.

Souls of the dead soldiers from conflicts such as the Boshin War, Sino-Japanese, and Russo-Japanese wars, have found their resting place within the grounds.

The Yasukuni Shrine follows the traditional Japanese customs of offerings to the dead such as food and ceremonies of appreciation.  

The shrine solemnly recognizes the names, origins, birth dates, and places of death of these individuals by listing their information.

2.Yasukuni Shrine is a Symbol of Past Militarism

The Yasukuni Shrine was created to commemorate those who died in the struggle for the restoration of Meiji Imperial Rule in 1868.

All the souls that rest at the shrine, belong to the people who were involved in military activities during their lifetime.

Hirohito, former imperial emperor of the Japanese Empire, visited the shrine numerous times in his capacity as imperial commander of all Japanese armed forces.

Around two and a half million people are enshrined at the site.  2.1 million died during the Second World War.

3. Yasukuni Shrine Connection With Kamikaze

Photo by Dakiny from

Kamikaze is a well-known name in Japan and the whole world as well.

It is mostly connected to the young soldiers who gave lost their lives during Second World War.

In 1941, Japan declared war against the United States of America, after a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

The war dragged on for more than four years with heavy casualties from both sides.

Senior Japanese military commanders created a special unit of young soldiers from the Japanese air force to carry out suicidal air attacks.

It was known as the Kamikaze squad. Bombers full of explosive materials would intentionally be crashed on US naval ships, inflicting maximum damages.

The soldiers believed they would earn a permanent place at the Yasukuni shrine for their service to the empire of Japan.

4. Yasukuni Shrine Monuments and statues

Photo by Dakiny from

Yasukuni shrine is also famous for its many full life-sized statues and monument.

Heroes of Japan Statues have been erected at the site in honor of the men who died for the empire in the past conflicts.

Statues of the animals are dedicated to the animals that died along with the men contributing to the war efforts against enemies of the empire.

They include the statues of the war horses, carrier pigeons, and the statues of dogs that the military utilized during the wars.

5. Yasukuni is a Major Tourist Attraction Site

Photo by Dakiny from

The shrine is one of the most visited sites in Tokyo by local and international tourists.

Residents mostly visit the shrine to pay homage to their fallen heroes for the defense of Japan, in the wars.

Tens of a thousand international tourists visit the site every year to learn more about the rich history and heritage of the Japanese people.

Some other interesting spots worthy of visiting around the shrine are the national archives of Japan and the Kitanomaru national garden.

A visit to the Shrine and the military museum located at the shrine is a memorable experience.

6. Yasukuni shrine Cherry Blossoms

Photo by Ajari from

Sakura cherry blossoms season is particularly very popular with Japanese people, celebrations of the event date back a couple of centuries.

Like any other place in Japan, the Yakusuni shrine is a popular spot for viewing Sakura cherry blossoms.

Thousands of residents and foreign nationals flock to the shrine ground to witness this amazing event.

One cherry blossom tree around the shrine is even officially used to declare the start of cherry blossom season by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

7. Yasukuni Shrine is a place of Controversy

Japan has been involved in many armed conflicts in the past, and the Yasukuni shrine is a major war reminder monument.

Some countries suffered huge war damages and casualties inflicted by the Japanese military during the past wars,

They view the shrine as a bitter reminder of their suffering. Some view the shrine as a demonstration of Japan’s historical un-remorsefulness.

It is also claimed that some of the men enshrined at the site committed war crimes during the war. Emperor Hirohito stopped visiting the shrine due to the controversy.

8. Festivals at Yasukuni shrine

Photo by Japanexpertena.se from

Various annual festivals are held at the shrine every year, among the most famous are Mitama Matsuri and Shuuki Reitaisai.

Mitama Matsuri festival is held in July and is dedicated to honoring the souls of those who gave their lives for the defense of Japan.

Shuuki Reitaisai festival is also an annual festival celebrated in October. It is used to honor the blessings of a good harvest.

Many other festivals are held at the shrine, as a way for residents to show their respect and honor to their heroes.

9.  Yasukuni  Shrine is Open to the Public

photo by Dakiny from

Yasukuni shrine is a public site and it’s open to local and international visitors.

The shrine is free to visit year-round from 6 am to 6 pm from March to October and 6 am to 5 pm from November to February.

The Yushukan Museum which is located inside the shrine is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm with an admission fee.

The main shrine house known as (the Honden) remains closed to the public.

10. How to Get to the Yasukuni Shrine

The shrine can be easily accessed via public transport. The nearest stations are Kundanshita and Ichigaya, both are within a 10-minute walk away.

Taxis from anywhere in the city are also another convenient way to use as a way to reach the shrine.

Yasukuni shrine is within the large Tokyo metropolitan area. Tokyo is a commercial hub in Japan with flight connections from all over the globe.