Yasukuni Shrine: How to Get There by Train in Tokyo

Published: 2026-11-05 / Updated: 2026-11-05 ・ 7 min read

The fastest way to reach Yasukuni Shrine (靖国神社, Yasukuni Jinja) is to take the subway to Kudanshita Station (九段下駅) and leave via Exit 1, which puts you about a five-minute walk from the shrine's outer torii gate. Alternatively, JR train pass holders can take the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to JR Iidabashi Station (飯田橋駅) or JR Ichigaya Station (市ケ谷駅) and walk roughly 10 to 15 minutes to the shrine grounds.

Located in Chiyoda Ward near the Imperial Palace, Yasukuni Shrine is central and straightforward to access using Tokyo’s extensive rail network. This guide covers step-by-step transit routes from Tokyo’s major transport hubs, walking directions from local platforms, and practical tips for smooth navigation.

Closest Stations to Yasukuni Shrine

When mapping your trip, you have three primary railway stations to choose from:

• Kudanshita Station (九段下駅): The primary station for visiting the shrine. It serves the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line (Z), Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (T), and Toei Subway Shinjuku Line (S). From Exit 1, the walk to the massive bronze entrance gate takes roughly 5 minutes along a slight uphill slope.
• Ichigaya Station (市ケ谷駅): Served by the JR Chuo-Sobu Line (Local), Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line (Y), Tokyo Metro Namboku Line (N), and Toei Shinjuku Line (S). The walk from the JR or subway exits takes around 10 to 12 minutes to reach the western edge of the shrine.
• Iidabashi Station (飯田橋駅): Served by the JR Chuo-Sobu Line (Local), Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (T), Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line (Y), Tokyo Metro Namboku Line (N), and Toei Oedo Line (E). The walk from the JR West Exit takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes.

For first-time visitors, heading directly to Kudanshita Station is recommended because the pedestrian route brings you through the formal shrine entrance (Dai-Ichi Torii) rather than a side gate.

Getting to Kudanshita Station from Major Tokyo Hubs

Independent train travel in Tokyo is efficient, but transfers can be disorienting. Below are straightforward routes starting from the city's key rail centers.

From Tokyo Station (Around 15–20 minutes)

You have two simple options when departing from Tokyo Station (東京駅):

1. Via Otemachi Station (Walk transfer inside the complex): Follow the underground signs from Tokyo Station toward Otemachi Station (大手町駅), which takes about 5 to 8 minutes on foot. From Otemachi, board the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line bound for Nakano or Mitaka. Ride two stops to Kudanshita Station (around 4 minutes).
2. Via Marunouchi and Tozai Subway Lines: If you prefer not to walk through the underground concourse, enter the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line at Tokyo Station. Ride one stop to Otemachi, transfer to the Tozai Line, and take it two stops to Kudanshita.

Transit fares for this short subway journey are typically around 180 to 210 yen.

From Shinjuku Station (Around 10–12 minutes)

Getting to Yasukuni Shrine from Shinjuku Station (新宿駅) is direct and fast via the subway:

1. Head to the platforms for the Toei Shinjuku Line (underground on the south/west side of the station).
2. Board any eastbound train heading toward Moto-Yawata.
3. Ride directly to Kudanshita Station (roughly 8 minutes over 4 stops).
4. Follow the overhead signs to Exit 1.

Fares generally run around 220 yen on an IC card (Suica or Pasmo).

From Shibuya Station (Around 12–15 minutes)

Travelers starting around Shibuya Station (渋谷駅) also have a direct connection:

1. Follow signs inside the station for the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line (platform runs through to the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line).
2. Board a train heading toward Oshiage or Kitasenju.
3. Ride five stops directly to Kudanshita Station (about 12 minutes).
4. Take Exit 1 up to the street.

Subway fares are approximately 210 yen.

From Ueno Station (Around 15–20 minutes)

From Ueno Station (上野駅), a single transfer is required:

1. Board the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line toward Shibuya.
2. Ride four stops to Nihombashi Station (日本橋駅).
3. Transfer to the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line heading toward Nakano.
4. Ride three stops to Kudanshita Station.

Total travel time is usually under 20 minutes, with fares around 210 yen.

Using a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

The Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks are independent of Japan Railways, meaning ordinary subway rides to Kudanshita are not covered by a standard nationwide JR Pass or JR East regional pass.

If you want to use your rail pass to avoid out-of-pocket fares, stay on the JR network:

1. Take the JR Yamanote Line or JR Chuo Line (Rapid) to a transfer point for the yellow JR Chuo-Sobu Line (Local).
2. Take the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to either JR Ichigaya Station or JR Iidabashi Station.
3. Exit the station and walk to the shrine.

From JR Ichigaya Station, head out the main ticket gate, turn left across the bridge over the moat, and walk east along Yasukuni-dori Avenue for about 10 to 12 minutes.

From JR Iidabashi Station, use the West Exit (Nishi-Guchi), walk south past Hosei University along Waseda-dori, and turn into the northern approach of the shrine grounds in about 10 to 15 minutes.

For rail network maps and service updates, consult JR East.

Walking Directions from Kudanshita Station (Step by Step)

Navigating massive subway stations in Tokyo can be confusing. Follow these practical steps once you arrive at Kudanshita Station:

1. Follow the Yellow Exit Signs: On the train platform, check the hanging yellow exit maps for Exit 1 (出口1). Exit 1 is specifically marked for Yasukuni Shrine and the Nippon Budokan arena.
2. Clear the Ticket Gates: Tap your IC card (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) or insert your paper subway ticket at the turnstile.
3. Ascend to Street Level: Follow the corridors and stairs or elevator up to Exit 1.
4. Turn Right at the Street: When you emerge at street level onto Yasukuni-dori Avenue, you will be facing west. Walk straight along the wide sidewalk, which climbs a gentle slope.
5. Pass Tayasu Gate to the Left: On your left, you will see the large moat and Tayasu Gate entrance to Kitanomaru Park. Keep continuing straight along the sidewalk for another minute or two.
6. Arrive at the Shrine Entrance: The sidewalk opens into the wide, paved forecourt of Yasukuni Shrine, marked by a soaring bronze torii gate.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• IC Cards and Day Passes: Using a prepaid IC card like Suica or Pasmo is the easiest way to pay for individual subway rides. If you plan to visit multiple spots across Tokyo in one day, consider the Tokyo Subway Ticket (valid on all Tokyo Metro and Toei lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours), which can be purchased at major stations and tourist centers.
• Shrine Grounds vs. Museum Hours: The outdoor grounds and approach are open daily starting early in the morning and close around dusk. However, the Yushukan (遊就館) military museum located inside the complex operates on shorter hours, roughly from mid-morning to late afternoon. Museum admission fees typically range around 1,000 yen for adults.
• Operating Hours Change: Temple and museum opening times, ticket booth operations, and seasonal lighting vary throughout the year. Always verify schedules on official tourism or shrine resources before setting out. You can cross-reference regional travel alerts through the Japan National Tourism Organization.
• Crowds During Cherry Blossom Season: The garden around Yasukuni features Tokyo's benchmark cherry tree used to declare the official start of the blossom season. Late March through early April sees heavy foot traffic along the approach and inside Kudanshita Station. Give yourself an extra 15 to 20 minutes to navigate station stairs and street crossings during this period.
• Footwear Advice: The formal approach to the main hall (Haiden) consists of long, gravel paths and stone paving. Wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes, especially if you plan to continue walking south toward Kitanomaru Park or the Imperial Palace East Gardens after your visit.

FAQ

Q. Which train station is closest to Yasukuni Shrine?

A. Kudanshita Station (九段下駅) is the closest station. Exit 1 brings you to street level roughly a five-minute walk from the main entrance torii gate.

Q. Can I use the Japan Rail Pass to reach Yasukuni Shrine?

A. The shrine does not sit directly on a JR line, but you can take the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to either Ichigaya or Iidabashi Station and walk roughly 10 to 15 minutes.

Q. How long does it take to travel to Yasukuni Shrine from Tokyo Station?

A. Travel time from Tokyo Station is generally around 15 to 20 minutes, either by taking the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and transferring to the Tozai Line, or walking to nearby Otemachi Station to board the Tozai or Hanzomon Line directly.