Yasukuni Shrine, Shinto shrine in Kudankita, Tokyo, Japan
Yasukuni is a Shinto shrine in Kudankita, Tokyo, set on a large wooded site. The main hall follows Shinmei-zukuri construction, while the Yushukan Museum and several smaller structures stand elsewhere on the grounds.
Emperor Meiji founded the shrine in 1869 under the name Shokonsha to honor fallen soldiers. Ten years later the name changed to Yasukuni Jinja.
The grounds hold several thousand bronze tablets recording the names of those who died. Visitors can view these tablets and often see people pausing in quiet reflection before them.
Access is through Kudanshita Station on the Hanzomon, Tozai, and Shinjuku subway lines. The grounds open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM and entry is free.
A particular cherry tree on the grounds serves as the reference for the meteorological agency to mark the official start of cherry blossom season in Tokyo. The tree has been monitored for decades and signals the beginning of hanami each year.
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