Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in the heart of the city of Tokyo.
The Shrine was founded in 1869 to give tribute to the Japanese who selfelssly fought for their nation, and helped build a peaceful Japan. Currently, there are 2, 466, 000 divinities enshrined in Yasukuni Shrine.
In 1874 Emperor Meiji visited the shrine Tokyo Shokonsha for the first time, and composed a poem for the warriors; "I assure those of you who fought and died for your country that your names will live forever at this shrine in Musashino".
After offering a prayer to the souls of the unsung heroes, a deeper perspective on Japan's wars could be explored in Yushukan, a museum that exhibits documents, archives, and other memorabilias.
There are also festivals (matsuri) and rituals that are held in the shrine. Please refer to their official website, www.yasukuni.or.jp for more information.
Yasukuni shrine is just a short walk ahead from Kudashita Station on Hanzomon, Tozai, and Shinjuku Subway Lines.
From Tokyo Station, take the Marunouchi Subway Line from Tokyo Station to Otemachi (1 minute) and then the Hanzomon Subway Line to Kudanshita Station (4 minutes). The one way fare is 170 yen.
From Shinjuku Station, take the Shinjuku Subway Line directly from Shinjuku to Kudanshita Station. One way trip takes 8 minutes and costs 220 yen.
As alternative, ride the city bus
. The Shrine is located on a one minute walk from the Kudanue stop served by the Kudanshita-Takadanobaba and Shibuya-Ochanomizu lines.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Admission fee for Adults is 800 Yen, 500 Yen for University Students, 300 Yen for High School Students, and 100 Yen for Elementary/Middle School Students. There are also discounts for those who will come in groups.