Pangea Guides

A controversial shrine to Japan's war dead, housing the souls of some 2.5 million people killed in Japan's wars, including convicted war criminals executed by the Allies. It is also a favorite haunt of right-wing groups in black loudspeaker-equipped trucks. Open daily and free entrance adjacent to Metro Hanzomon line Kudanshita station, or cross the bridge north from Kitanomaru Park. Festivals take place most notably in mid-July and mid-October, which can attract as many people and vendors as it do on New Year's Day when the Japanese come to pray for a prosperous year.