Last Updated: Mar 18, 2023

Yasukuni Shrine

Why Western Tourists Should Dare to Visit

Oh boy… I can already anticipate the negative backlash I am going to get from this one. You see, at least when it comes to international relations, Yasukuni Shrine is about as touchy of a subject as they come. For those not already in the know, understand that this extremely controversial sanctuary enshrines the spirits of over 2.5 million individuals who lost their lives in the service of Imperial Japan. That said, what makes Yasukuni Shrine such a piping hot political potato is the fact that among the souls revered here are fourteen Class A war criminals (as well as a number of class B too). As you may imagine, whenever a high ranking Japanese politician visits the shrine, you can be sure that an international media firestorm is to ensue.

Nevertheless, despite all the chatter surrounding Yasukuni Shrine, the sanctums’s grounds are actually some of the most tranquil that I’ve come across. Originally built in the year 1868 at the behest of Emperor Meiji, the shrine was first erected to honor those who died in the Boshin War. Over the years, as more and more spirits were added, Yasukuni Shrine was further beautified to evoke a sense of calming peace. Dotted about the precinct you’ll find a host of cherry blossom trees that are nothing short of…