Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo is a premier destination for cherry blossom viewing, drawing visitors with its historical significance and breathtaking sakura displays. The shrine is home to over 600 cherry trees, including Tokyo’s official “benchmark tree,” which signals the start of the city’s sakura season. With a tradition of hanami dating back to the Meiji era, Yasukuni Shrine offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and festive events during the cherry blossom season.

Why Yasukuni Shrine is Worth Visiting

• Home to Tokyo’s Benchmark Tree – The Somei Yoshino tree at Yasukuni Shrine serves as the official indicator for Tokyo’s cherry blossom season, making it a symbolic spot for sakura enthusiasts.
• Historical Hanami Tradition – Hanami at Yasukuni Shrine has been a cherished tradition since the Meiji era, adding cultural depth to the experience.
• Diverse Sakura Varieties – While Somei Yoshino dominates, other cherry blossom species extend the viewing season and add variety to the scenery.
• Evening Illuminations – The yozakura (nighttime cherry blossom viewing) at Yasukuni Shrine transforms the grounds into a mesmerizing, lantern-lit spectacle.
• Central Tokyo Location – Easily accessible from major train stations, Yasukuni Shrine is a convenient and picturesque hanami spot in the heart of the city.

Yasukuni Shrine Cherry Blossoms

Yasukuni Shrine boasts an impressive collection of cherry trees, with over 500 adorning its grounds. The most famous among them is the benchmark Somei Yoshino tree, used by the Japan Meteorological Agency to officially announce Tokyo’s sakura season. This tree’s synchronized blooming makes it a precise seasonal marker. Beyond the benchmark tree, other cherry blossom varieties bloom at different times, extending the hanami period and offering a rich floral display. The shrine’s main pathway is lined with cherry trees, creating a beautiful pink canopy during peak bloom, while quieter areas such as the pond at the back provide serene spots for reflection and photography.

Yasukuni Shrine Facilities & Amenities

Visitors can enhance their hanami experience with various facilities available at Yasukuni Shrine. The Yushukan Museum, adjacent to the shrine, provides historical context and insight into Japan’s past. Accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible facilities and spacious seating, ensure a comfortable visit for all guests.

Dining Options

Dining options within the shrine grounds include Yasukuni Yachiyo Shokudo, attic room YASUKUNI GAIEN, and Cafeteria Yui. Yasukuni Yachiyo Shokudo offers dishes like scrambled egg rice bowls and soba noodles, while Cafeteria Yui, located inside the Yushukan Museum, is known for its Navy Curry. During the cherry blossom festival, additional food stalls and seating areas are set up to cater to the influx of visitors.

Dining near Yasukuni Shrine presents a variety of flavors, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international fare. Within the shrine, Yasukuni Yachiyo Shokudo serves nostalgic dishes like scrambled egg rice bowls and soba. Cafeteria Yui inside the Yushukan Museum is known for its historical Navy Curry. Nearby, Sushi FUKUZUKA in Kagurazaka offers premium sushi, while Yugyoan Tankuma Kitamise at Tokyo Dome Hotel specializes in traditional Kyoto cuisine, including sushi, tempura, and teppanyaki. For a different cuisine, Indian Restaurant Mumbai Kudan serves hearty Indian meals just across from the shrine. Whether visitors seek classic Japanese dishes or global flavors, the area provides plenty of dining choices.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit – Cherry blossoms typically peak in the first week of April. Check the official forecast for precise blooming dates.
• Arrive Early – The shrine opens at 6:00 AM (6:30 AM from October to March). Arriving early allows for serene views before crowds gather.
• Experience Yozakura – The nighttime illuminations offer a magical cherry blossom viewing experience.
• Respect the Space – As a place of reverence, visitors should be mindful of noise levels and proper trash disposal.
• Explore Nearby – Extend your hanami experience with a visit to the nearby Chidorigafuchi Moat.

How to Get to Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine is conveniently located in central Tokyo and easily accessible by public transportation. The closest station is Kudanshita Station, just a 5-minute walk away, served by the Tozai, Hanzomon, and Toei Shinjuku subway lines. Alternatively, Ichigaya and Iidabashi stations, both about a 10-minute walk away, connect to JR Sobu and Chuo lines, as well as multiple subway lines. From Tokyo Station, the shrine can be reached in about 10 minutes via JR lines or 6 minutes by subway with a transfer at Otemachi Station. Visitors arriving from Haneda or Narita airports should expect travel times of approximately 40 and 60 minutes, respectively. For those driving, the shrine offers free parking for worshippers, with spaces available for cars, buses, and motorcycles.

Nearby Attractions

• Chidorigafuchi Moat – One of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom spots, Chidorigafuchi Moat offers picturesque boat rides under sakura trees. The illuminated trees at night create a breathtaking spectacle.
• Imperial Palace East Gardens – A short walk from Yasukuni Shrine, these gardens provide a peaceful escape with beautifully landscaped grounds, historic ruins, and seasonal flowers, including cherry blossoms.
• Kitanomaru Park – Located next to Chidorigafuchi, this spacious park is ideal for a relaxing stroll among lush greenery and scattered cherry blossom trees.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

• Shinjuku Gyoen – A vast park featuring multiple cherry blossom varieties, ensuring an extended sakura season. Shinjuku Gyoen offers a mix of Japanese, English, and French garden styles for a diverse hanami experience.
• Ueno Park – One of Tokyo’s most famous hanami destinations, Ueno Park boasts over 1,000 cherry trees lining its central pathway, attracting lively crowds and festival stalls.
• Sumida Park – Alongside the Sumida River, this scenic spot provides stunning views of cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree in the background. Boat rides along the river enhance the experience.