City ❀ Country ❀ Beach
If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, you’re probably wondering: Is Universal Studios Japan worth it? You may be also wondering if Universal Studios Japan (USJ), which is located in Osaka, will fit into your itinerary. With so many incredible cultural experiences, historical sites, …
When people think of Tokyo’s skyline, they often think about famous landmarks like Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower. Both are beautiful in their own ways, and they charge admission fees for the breathtaking views they offer. Nestled in the heart of Shinjuku is the Tokyo …
Tokyo is a city where modern skyscrapers, futuristic train stations, and ramen shops coexist with ancient shrines & temples that seem to whisper history in every wooden beam. Among these, Yasukuni Jinja Shrine stands out. It stands out not only for its serene beauty but also for the weight of history it carries. Visiting this shrine is less about snapping a few Instagram shots (though, you’ll certainly do that). It’s more about stepping into a place where Japan’s complicated past meets its present identity. And yes, like many great landmarks, it’s got a touch of controversy to keep things interesting.
Located in Chiyoda, just a short stroll from Kudanshita Station, Yasukuni Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of those who died in service to Japan. Now, before you get any grim mental images, let me clarify. This is not some gloomy war memorial cloaked in shadows. Instead, it’s a peaceful sanctuary filled with lit pathways, Torii gates, and that unmistakable Shinto shrine charm. If you sit here a while you can almost hear the rustling of history in the leaves.
The shrine was established in 1869 by Emperor Meiji. It is originally named Tokyo Shokonsha, to commemorate those who died in the Boshin War. It was later renamed Yasukuni Jinja, which translates loosely to “Peaceful Country Shrine.” And here’s where the irony begins. The shrine was intended as a place of peace, yet the names it enshrines belong to those who died in wars. Over the decades, the list grew to include around 2.5 million souls—samurai, soldiers, doctors, and even civilian support workers who perished in conflicts from the 19th century right up through World War II.
For anyone wondering how exactly a shrine “enshrines” spirits, here’s the breakdown. In Shinto belief, once a name is recorded in the shrine’s registers, that person’s spirit is permanently housed there. Think of it as the spiritual equivalent of making it onto the guest list for eternity—no retractions, no edits. And yes, that has caused some awkward historical debates, but we’ll get to that.
Walking up to Yasukuni Shrine, you’re greeted by the massive First Torii Gate. It stands tall like a bouncer for the spiritual world. In passing through you’ll find yourself on a wide stone path leading toward the shrine’s main hall.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll notice the serenity first. Despite being in central Tokyo, the noise of the city seems to pause at the gates. The clattering of trains and minimal honking cars give way to the quiet crunch of gravel under your feet. This is very much a shrine in the traditional sense that it is designed to slow you down, to let you breathe, and to remind you that sometimes history deserves a quiet moment of reflection.
Ah yes, the museum. No visit to Yasukuni Shrine is complete without stopping by the Yūshūkan, the shrine’s attached museum. Established in 1882, it’s Japan’s oldest military museum, and it’s not shy about telling a story—though it does so in a very particular way. Exhibits range from samurai armor and Edo-period weaponry to tanks, Zero fighter planes, and letters written by soldiers before heading into battle.
Here’s where things get tricky. The museum tends to present Japan’s military history through a lens of honor and sacrifice, which, depending on your perspective, might feel like a nationalistic glossing-over of certain historical events. Let’s just say the narrative might not perfectly align with your high school World War II history textbook. That said, it is undeniably fascinating. Even if you disagree with the framing, the artifacts themselves are compelling, and the museum gives a window into how Japan has chosen to remember its warriors.
Controversies aside, Yasukuni Shrine is genuinely beautiful. The honden (main hall) is a classic piece of Shinto architecture (which I love exquisite architecture), with sloping tiled roofs, crisp wooden beams, and golden details that shimmer when the sunlight hits just right. Rituals here are very much alive—visitors bow at the gates, purify their hands and mouths at the chozuya (water basin), and offer prayers inside the hall.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during a festival, Yasukuni really comes to life. We traveled in the fall so this was something we didn’t experience. However, in summer, the Mitama Matsuri draws thousands of lanterns—over 30,000 of them—lining the approach to the shrine in a glowing sea of gold. It’s a sight that’s both mesmerizing and slightly surreal, like walking through a dream where history, spirituality, and modern Tokyo all blur together.
Of course, we can’t talk about Yasukuni Shrine without addressing the elephant in the courtyard. Among the millions enshrined here are fourteen Class-A war criminals from World War II, including General Hideki Tojo. Their enshrinement in 1978 sparked outrage both in Japan and abroad, particularly in China and South Korea, who view official visits by Japanese politicians as acts of historical revisionism.
So, is Yasukuni Jinja a place of peace or a political lightning rod? Honestly, it’s both. For many Japanese people, it’s simply a site to honor ancestors and remember loved ones lost to war. For others, it symbolizes a more problematic approach to dealing with wartime memory. For travelers, it’s an opportunity to see how history continues to live in the present, and how a single place can carry multiple, sometimes conflicting meanings.
If you’re planning a visit, the shrine is open daily and free to enter. Although, the museum charges a small fee. Photography is welcome in most areas, but, as always with Shinto shrines, respect is key. This is still an active spiritual site. Don’t skip the souvenir shop. It sells all kinds of unique trinkets and such. They make good keepsakes & gifts.
Whether you’re drawn to Yasukuni for its architecture, its gardens, its festivals, or its complicated history, it offers an experience that’s richer than your average sightseeing stop. It’s a place that you should definitely visit if it’s your first time in Tokyo. It challenges you to think, to observe, and to understand that history is never as neat and tidy as guidebooks/history books would like us to believe.
Yasukuni Jinja Shrine is not your run-of-the-mill Tokyo attraction. It doesn’t serve up kawaii cuteness like Harajuku or futuristic sparkle like Shibuya Crossing. Instead, it offers something quieter, more layered, and perhaps more unsettling: a direct encounter with history and memory.
Visiting here isn’t about deciding who’s right or wrong—it’s about stepping into a space that embodies Japan’s struggles with its past and its hopes for peace. And yes, even with its controversies, it remains a deeply beautiful, spiritual place.
So if you find yourself in Tokyo with a free afternoon, wander over to Kudanshita, step through that first torii gate, and let Yasukuni Jinja unfold before you. You may leave with more questions than answers, but isn’t that the best kind of travel experience?
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A Tokyo Imperial Palace visit is like someone just threw me from the modern Nijubashimae Station into the Edo period. You can also arrive at the Otemachi Station from the Tokyo Station connection to arrive at the Imperial Palace. The Tokyo Imperial Palace will leave you breathless! You will travel back to a time where you can just imagine the imperial family of Japan living here. Make sure you make time to visit Imperial Palace Tokyo!
Visiting the imperial palace grounds and imperial household is free. You can view the outer area of this Edo castle on your own. No tour guide is necessary. You can also walk through the Kikyomon gate and view the three main garden areas of this palace. Those garden areas are Kitanomaru Park, Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Kokyogaien National Garden.
You will, however, need to reserve free guided tours. Those tours are available in Japanese with audio apps in English plus five other languages. Make reservations to see the inner grounds & the national family home indoors. As all things when visiting Japan, I would personally not procrastinate in reserving anything way ahead of time.
One of the best times to visit the gardens is during the cherry blossom season. It looks absolutely beautiful! Our family visited in early October so we didn’t witness any cherry blossoms.
Cherry blossom season runs between late March and early April, but there is a small window of opportunity. Between March 29th and April 6th is peak season, so plan accordingly if this is something you wish to experience.
Traveling beginning of January? On January 2nd you will definitely want to visit because the Imperial Household Agency opens the gates to the public. This is in celebration of the New Year. You can view the inner palace grounds and the Imperial family will greet visitors. It’s truly a rare & special occasion!
The guard station is where you can start walking your way up. It’s the closest possible point to see the entrance to the Imperial Palace doors. Even at the entrance stands two guards protecting at all times. I’m not sure where the entrance to the guided tours are since we didn’t do that. But, I don’t believe this is it since we didn’t see anyone lining up here to go inside.
If you want to walk the perimeter of the Imperial Palace, make sure you have time. This place is enormous! We skipped this because our feet were hurting so bad from so much walking! And that’s one thing you need to be aware of – work up to the amount of walking you will be doing in Japan! We way underestimated it! Not just walking, but stairs – oh lots of stairs! True story. My husband was in a wheelchair the last three days of our trip because his knee couldn’t do give anymore. And he is mid-age and in good health!
In conclusion, a visit to Imperial Palace Tokyo is a must if it’s your first time in Japan! It will leave you thinking of all the things that could have happened in its historical significance. It symbolizes Japan’s imperial heritage. Again, make sure you make time to visit Imperial Palace Tokyo!
If you have a specific question about this post, please email me.
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If you’re a Disney fan and contemplating whether to visit Tokyo DisneySea because you think it’s similar to Tokyo Disneyland or any other Disney park you’ve been to, you’re wrong. Tokyo DisneySea is like no other theme park I’ve ever been to. That’s saying a lot because our family has been to MANY theme parks in the U.S. Tokyo, Japan is truly an amazing country. I could list the many reasons why it is an amazing country in this article, but my focus is to convince you that you definitely should visit Tokyo DisneySea. I dare you to come back and tell me how much you loved it & what was your favorite ride!
“I do not like to repeat successes, I like to go on to other things.”
Walt Disney
Tokyo DisneySea was inspired by the creation & innovation of ultimately Walt Disney. His quote about ‘going on to other things’ lives on with the embodiment of Tokyo DisneySea. You can feel the vibe as soon as you enter the park with touches of magic sprinkled here & there. This park is unique because it’s grandeur is based on an ocean theme, hence the word Sea. If you had to equate the size of this park to another park, I would say it’s about the size of EPCOT in Florida. As you are walking you are greeted with old-world charm architecture & light posts.
Remember how I said ‘touches of magic sprinkled here & there?’ This is one of them. We visited in October, so of course, Halloween decorations featuring Mickey ears as pumpkins were the perfect touch for a photo op!
Fantasy Springs is the newest and entirely separate area of the park. At the time that we went it was only 4 months old and there were strict rules on how to enter this area of the park. Your ticket admission into Tokyo DisneySea included it, but as you can read the sign, limited entry was accessed by having only one of the requirements. We had the “Disney Premier Access for an eligible attraction” for Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure and that’s how we got in.
“Disney Premier Access” means you must purchase access to get on the ride of your choice. Each ride is about $13 per person (≈2,000 yen). Once you’re in Fantasy Springs you have no time limit to be there and you are free to roam around, shop, eat, etc. But, be very aware that once you leave Fantasy Springs, you will not be allowed reentry unless you have another of the requirements.
Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure is similar to the one in the U.S., but they put their own touches that I don’t want to spoil it here. Also, every ride will have only the Japanese audio, but honestly that didn’t deter my joy at all from the experience.
The only other ride we did at Fantasy Springs was Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies. The remaining two rides in Fantasy Springs, Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey & Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, we didn’t do because of the additional money per person to ride it and we were more excited to experience other rides throughout the rest of the park. Another tip is be mindful that (at the time we went) we were not allowed to just wait in line (even if they have a standby entrance) for any ride. You HAD to have a paid ticket to ride each ride inside Fantasy Springs.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 1, 2025: You are now allowed to wait in line or have a paid ticket.
Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies was super cute! It’s more of a small children’s ride in which everything is magnified! The point is to make you feel as small as Tinker Bell.
Inside Fantasy Springs you will also find the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel. If you stay in this hotel (we did not) you will get an exclusive entrance/exit into DisneySea. You will also get the benefit of something called “Happy Entry” in which you will get to enter Tokyo DisneySea or Tokyo Disneyland 15 minutes prior to official opening time. You must be staying at the hotel to even enter the premises. Non-hotel guests are not allowed to “look around” the property. If you make a restaurant reservation inside the hotel, there is a separate entrance solely for that. It does look to be a gorgeous hotel (from what we saw on the outside)!
Food at Tokyo DisneySea
The food at Tokyo DisneySea is AMAZING!!! They have some classics, but with a twist. Everything we ate was so good. If you’re into popcorn, I am not so much, you will find many unique flavors of popcorn at both Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland. Popcorn flavors such as soy sauce & butter, milk chocolate, curry, black pepper, white chocolate, garlic-shrimp, Chinese chili, and roast beef. If you try any of these flavors, I definitely want to know your opinion!
One of the coolest views of Tokyo DisneySea is Mysterious Island. From here on we will now be outside of Fantasy Springs enjoying the rest of the park. Mysterious Island is where two of the main attractions are located: Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Both are classic books by Jules Verne and both rides are spectacular! If you’re into rollercoasters then you will love Journey to the Center of the Earth. If you’re not so much of a rollercoaster buff and not claustrophobic then you will enjoy 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It’s really not that bad though.
The Arabian Coast area of the park is also beautiful. It’s themed after Aladdin. Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage is similar to It’s a Small World in which it’s a slow indoor boat ride. Small children can easily ride this.
Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull I have to say was my FAVORITE RIDE of the entire park!!! Wow! I believe Walt Disney World is bringing this ride to Florida and I am so excited! It is a ride that thrill seekers will fall in love with and will want to ride it multiple times. If I had to compare it to another ride it would be Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios. WOW!
Mermaid Lagoon is really geared towards small children, but The Little Mermaid is my favorite Disney movie and Ariel is my favorite Disney princess, so that’s why I rate this one highly. Not just that, but all the rides are indoors mimicking the Under the Sea vibe AND it’s a must-see at night because it’s stunning!
The Tower of Terror is a ride we didn’t get on, but it’s the same ride as in Florida, but with a different theme. It’s not themed after The Twilight Zone. Instead, it’s themed around a fictional hotel named Hotel Hightower and owner/explorer Harrison Hightower III. Honestly, I’m the only one that likes the drop of the tower and I didn’t want to ride it by myself and that’s why we skipped it. It does look extra fabulous at night!
Since we’re on the subject of nighttime, let’s look at some other great nighttime events at Tokyo DisneySea. Toyville Trolley Park features one ride: Toy Story Mania! It looks even better at night. We didn’t ride this one because we’ve already ridden it several times in Florida.
Tokyo DisneySea overall looks so equally as pretty at night.
Make sure you stay for the nighttime water parade called “Believe! Sea of Dreams! & the fireworks called “Sky Full of Colors!” Because of copyright issues I am not able to post a video of the parade because of the licensed music.
If you’re searching for another hotel with Happy Entry perks, check out Hotel MiraCosta.
I left this for last because I wasn’t thrilled about this part. Not talking bad, just hoping for an improvement based on our experience. If you want to get in when the park actually opens, you will need to arrive at least 3 hours BEFORE the official park opening time listed on the website. I say that because we arrived 1.5 hours before the official park opening time and we still got in 2 hours AFTER the official park opening time!!! I feel like we lost a lot of time that we paid for.
There were many lines and a lot of people! That I understand. However, I was wondering why it was taking so long to get to the front and I come to find out that they had about 5 detection machines in which all these lines were funneling into ONE PERSON AT A TIME! I really hope they come up with a faster & better system for the sake of all the future park-goers.
With all that being said, don’t let this stop you, especially now that you know to get there way earlier than we did. This park is super unique, a lot of fun, and can’t wait to hear all about your experience!
While in Tokyo we stayed at Hilton Tokyo Bay. It is beside Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea making this a very fast & easy transportation to both theme parks! We highly recommend it! For another fun perspective on Tokyo DisneySea, check out The Bucket List Family’s adventure video starting around the 6:25 time.
If you have a specific question about this post, please email me.
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