Yasukuni Shrine (Yasukuni Jinja) Tours

Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine (Yasukuni Jinja) was built in 1869 to commemorate Japan’s war dead, and nearly 2.5 million people are currently enshrined there. Among those whose names are listed on the shrine are soldiers, students, relief workers, wartime medics, and, controversially, 14 class-A war criminals, including Hideki Tojo, army general and Japanese prime minister during World War II.
The Basics
In spite of the controversy, hundreds of thousands of people visit the shrine every year, some as an act of patriotism and others as a political statement. The Yushukan Museum, on the grounds, presents a perspective on the war that has been described as revisionist and glorifying—visitors may be taken aback by the information presented. Tours focused on modern Japanese history typically include visits to the shrine and museum, as well as the Imperial Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors may not enter the Yasukuni Shrine, but may look around it.
- There is an admission fee to enter the Yushukan Museum.
- The shrine is a religious site, so dress appropriately when visiting.
- An introduction pamphlet to the shrine is available in English.
How to Get There
Accessible by the JR, the shrine is a 10-minute walk from Ichigaya station (Sobu line) and Iidabashi station (Chuo line). Via Tokyo Metro, it's a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita station (Tozai line) or Kudanshita station (Hanzomon line). By the Toei Shinjuku line, it’s a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita station. By city bus, it’s a 1-minute walk from the Kudanue stop served by the Kudanshita-Takadanobaba and Shibuya-Ochanomizu lines.
When to Get There
You can visit the shrine any time, any day of the week. The Yushukan Museum is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm. The anniversary of Japan’s WWII defeat (August 15) brings politicians and right-wing, megaphone-wielding protesters to the shrine, but you are unlikely to have any trouble.
Chinreisha Shrine
Just south of Yasukuni, the much smaller and lesser-known Chinreisha (“spirit-pacifying”) Shrine honors all of the WWII dead, regardless of nationality, even those who fought against the Japanese Imperial Army.
Address: 3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8246, Japan
11 Tours and Activities to Experience Yasukuni Shrine (Yasukuni Jinja)
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Geisha Experience at Chaya in Tokyo
Get acquainted with a real-life geisha during a cultural experience in Tokyo. An intimate encounter designed for travelers interested in Japanese culture, this tour includes a geisha performance, traditionally featuring songs, dances, and games, and refreshments such as tea and sweets. Learn about the history of the geisha and upgrade to include lunch and unlimited drinks.
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From
$84.89
Price varies by group size
From
$84.89
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Authentic Geisha Performance and Entertainment including a Kaiseki Course Dinner
Slip on a kimono and savor a multi-course kaiseki dinner while you’re entertained by a geisha performance. A host greets you at an authentic Japanese restaurant in Tokyo during this 3-hour evening experience. Settle in with a small group as you’re served traditional dishes and converse with the geisha who are trained in dance, music and the art of communication.
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From
$298.94
Price varies by group size
From
$298.94
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Tokyo City Tour: Private Chauffeur Guide with Chartered Car
A chauffeured private tour is the perfect way to see Tokyo if you have a limited time or want to get your bearings in the city. Enjoy round trip transportation from your accommodation in a luxury vehicle. Relax on a full day excursion that showcases the diversity of Tokyo, from its high tech present to its traditional roots. Customize the tour to your must-see locations.
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From
$788.84
per group
From
$788.84
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Adventurous Japanese Food Tour
Most culinary tours in Japan only cover classics like ramen and udon, but you discover out-of-the-box treats during this adventure lovers’ food crawl. Meet an expert foodie for a daring expedition through the savory streets of Ginza, packed with local eateries. Get a taste of only-in-Japan delicacies like blowfish (fugu) and horse meat, while also making time for standbys like sushi and yakitori.
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From
$113.40
Price varies by group size
From
$113.40
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Jogging & Sightseeing around the Imperial Palace
皇居の周りをジョギングします。途中で有名なスポットに立ち寄ります。ガイドが各スポットについて説明します。ジョギングが終わったら銭湯に行きます。これはオプションです。銭湯代金は含まれていません。その後に居酒屋に行くこともできます。居酒屋の代金は割り勘です。
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$147.91
From
$147.91
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Modern Japanese History Tour in Tokyo
Explore recent Japanese military history on this guided excursion in Tokyo. After meeting your English-speaking guide at Kudanshita Station, experience the lives of everyday people and soldiers during World War II at Showa-kan Museum, learn about military practices like Kamikaze attacks from an expert guide, and stop by a shrine that commemorates Japan’s 2.5 million victims of war since 1869.
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From
$96.71
Price varies by group size
From
$96.71
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Adventurous Private Japanese Food Tour
Taste some of Japan’s most notorious delicacies on a private food tour of Tokyo’s Ginza district. Find the food experiences you want and order with the help of your English speaking guide. Open your eyes to local foods you didn’t know existed, or wouldn’t have tried on your own. If you want to try blowfish, horse sashimi, or whale, this is your tour; either way, your guide can adjust the menu and restaurant visits to meet your needs.
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From
$188.05
Price varies by group size
From
$188.05
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Tokyo Full Day Explorer Walking Tour
The Tokyo Full Day ‘Explorer’ Walking Tour will visit some of the most iconic locations in Tokyo and includes many interesting locations not generally visited by tourists along the way. Learn about the traditional and modern culture of Tokyo on this small group tour.
Highlights:
• Tsukiji Market
• Tsukiji Honanji Temple
• Imperial Palace
• Akihabara
• Ueno
• Uguisudani
• Tennoji Temple
• Shinjuku Station
…More
From
$171.93
From
$171.93
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Cultural Private Geisha Transformation with Certified Tokyo Geisha
For outsiders, it can be difficult to get an insight into Japanese cultural life. This experience offers you a deeper perspective than most. In the company of a geisha, learn how geisha prepare their makeup and dress in kimono. Unlike other makeover experiences, you'll actually be learning from geisha themselves.
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From
$105.31
From
$105.31
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Tokyo Custom Half Day Tour
This private and customizable tour for Tokyo is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.
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From
$135.58
Price varies by group size
From
$135.58
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Cherry Blossom E-bike Tour In Tokyo
Cherry blossom season is a magical time to visit Tokyo, but getting between the parks where the trees are blooming can be tiring and time-consuming. This guided e-bike tour lets you conserve energy while zipping around the city—with plenty of breaks to sit under the flowering trees.
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From
$78.78
From
$78.78
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