Yasukuni Shrine to hold cherry blossom illuminations and sumo

Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo will be holding a series of events to celebrate the cherry blossom season, including night time illuminations.

Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine that commemorates those who died in wars through the Meiji and Taisho periods as well as the early Showa period.

As the year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the shrine’s historical significance is particularly pronounced.

Yasukuni Shrine holds a complex and significant place in Japanese history and culture. The shrine enshrines over 2,466,000 individuals, representing those who perished in various conflicts ranging from the Boshin War to World War II.

Individuals are enshrined without the distinction of rank, service, or gender. This has led to some controversy due to the actions of the war time leaders and military figures enshrined there.

Beyond its role as a site of remembrance, Yasukuni Shrine is also known for its abundant cherry blossom trees, making it a popular destination for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Within the shrine’s precincts, approximately 500 cherry trees of various species are planted, including Somei-Yoshino, weeping cherry trees, and early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees.

During the blooming season, the grounds are transformed into a landscape of pink petals.

Notable viewing spots include the area in front of the Yushukan Museum, where the cherry blossoms are reflected in the Shinike Garden’s water.

Yasukuni Shrine is home to a specimen tree which is used by the Tokyo Regional Meteorological Observatory for official cherry blossom bloom observations.

To enhance the cherry blossom viewing experience, Yasukuni Shrine will host a series of events during the cherry blossom season:

Night Cherry Blossom Pilgrimage

From Thursday, March 27th, to Saturday, March 29th, 2025, the shrine will hold its “Night Cherry Blossom Pilgrimage.”

During these three evenings, the Shinmon gate, typically closed at night, will be open from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Visitors can observe the illuminated cherry blossoms and shrine buildings from the Shinmon gate, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere.

Food Truck at Gaien Ikoi-no-niwa

From Friday, March 14th, to Sunday, April 6th, 2025, food trucks will be present at Gaien Ikoi-no-niwa, providing visitors with light meals while they enjoy the cherry blossoms.

The food truck will operate from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Dedication Performance by the Rakugo Art Association

On Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, at noon, the Rakugo Art Association will perform traditional Japanese comedic storytelling (rakugo) and violin stand-up comedy (violin mandan) within the shrine grounds.

Performers include Shunputei Yanagibashi (rakugo) and Magnum Kobayashi (violin mandan).

The performance is open to the public and free of charge.

Dedicated Night Cherry Blossom Noh

On Thursday, April 3rd, and Friday, April 4th, 2025, the Yasukuni Shrine Noh Theater, one of Tokyo’s oldest Noh theaters, will host “Dedicated Cherry Blossom Noh” performances.

Doors open at 6:10 PM, and performances begin at 6:45 PM.

Tickets are required for admission. Ticket inquiries and applications can be made through Sunrise Information Tokyo (Tel: 0570-00-3337).

The event is organized by Fuji Television Network, Inc.

Dedication Grand Sumo Tournament

On Monday, April 14th, 2025, the shrine’s sumo arena will host a “Dedication Grand Sumo Tournament” featuring wrestlers from the Japan Sumo Association.

The event includes a “Ring Festival” ceremony and sumo bouts, including makuuchi wrestlers’ ring-entering ceremonies and “Shokkiri” demonstrations.

Admission to the sumo tournament is free.

The event time will be announced on the Yasukuni Shrine official website.

The event is organized by the Japan Sumo Association.