Yasukuni Shrine enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals among the 2.5 million war dead commemorated there. These individuals were convicted by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East after World War II.
The name "Yasukuni," derived from a phrase in classical Chinese literature, means "peaceful country" or "pacifying the nation." The shrine's name reflects its purpose of honoring the dead, thereby bringing peace to their spirits and ensuring the nation remains at peace.
Yasukuni Shrine was established in 1869, making it over 150 years old as of the current date. It was founded to commemorate and honor the victims of the Boshin War, a civil war that led to the Meiji Restoration, and has since expanded its commemoration to include those who died in conflicts involving Japan up until the end of World War II.
Traveler reviews
Very large place. Very quiet tho there are people. Big statue of a man. Interestingly the words on the statue is in traditional Chinese. I wonder why. And 2 huge torii gates.
Incredible visit to Yasukuni Shrine. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and interesting. Also visited the attached museum.
They host a sumo event every year in April. The grounds are beautiful. 4 stars because the affiliated museum doesn’t accurately present history, but everything else is great.
Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo that commemorates those who died in service of Japan during various wars.
10th Mar 2026 - Quiet and serene when visiting on a weekday morning with rain 👍🏻
