The Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine-entrance gate

Image taken from: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2321.html

The Main Sanctuary (Honden)-it houses the spirits of all soldiers from the imperial army who died in war or domestic conflict. Here the daily offerings and rites of the priests take place.

Main building

Image taken from: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2321.html

The Worship Hall (Haiden)-here the visitors can pay tribute to the kami (souls) of the war dead, enshrined in Yasukuni.

The Shrine Archive-it was built by the Showa Emperor to signify that the war dead are the "emperor's war dead" and to show the significant imperial connection of the shrine.

Yasukan War Museum-its purpose is to display the items that were left behind by the kami. The interpretation of history the museum offers to the public is a source of controversies.

 

Yushukan War Museum

Image taken from: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2321.html

The Chinreisha-here the souls of all war dead not enshrined in the main sanctuary are celebrated. These domestic and foreign soldiers fought against the imperial army, therefore they were the enemies of imperial Japan. The kami in the Chinreisha are Japanese, British, US, Chinese, Korean, South and East Asian.

The Rites

The two most important rites are the Great Spring and Autumn Festivals. They are that significant because they are honored by the presence of imperial emissaries. The rites performed aim at pacifying the kami of the soldiers and gaining their benevolence.

The annual Yasukuni Shrine Mitama (soul) festival

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