Honden, Tokyo
Constructed in 1872, the Honden stands as the primary sanctuary of the Yasukuni Shrine. This sacred site houses the divinities. In 1989, significant refurbishments were made to the Honden. Visits to this area are conducted exclusively with a knowledgeable guide. Adjacent to the Honden is the Tochakuden, also known as the Reception Hall. Situated behind the main sanctuary is the Reijibo Hoanden, which serves as a storage facility for the symbolic records of the divinities.
In the design of Shinto shrines, the honden, or main hall, is the most important building. It's a special space reserved for the kami (gods) being worshipped, often represented by a mirror or a statue. This building is typically situated at the back of the shrine area and isn't open to the public. In front of the honden, you'll usually find the haiden, a hall for prayers and ceremonies. Often, there's a connecting hall, called the heiden, linking the haiden and the honden.
The honden is central to the shrine's layout. It's usually elevated compared to the rest of the shrine and fenced off by a structure called a tamagaki, limiting public access. The honden is often small, with a distinctive gabled roof. Its doors are generally closed, opened only during festivals or for certain rituals conducted by Shinto priests. The act of opening these doors is an important ceremonial event.
In the design of Shinto shrines, the honden, or main hall, is the most important building. It's a special space reserved for the kami (gods) being worshipped, often represented by a mirror or a statue. This building is typically situated at the back of the shrine area and isn't open to the public. In front of the honden, you'll usually find the haiden, a hall for prayers and ceremonies. Often, there's a connecting hall, called the heiden, linking the haiden and the honden.
The honden is central to the shrine's layout. It's usually elevated compared to the rest of the shrine and fenced off by a structure called a tamagaki, limiting public access. The honden is often small, with a distinctive gabled roof. Its doors are generally closed, opened only during festivals or for certain rituals conducted by Shinto priests. The act of opening these doors is an important ceremonial event.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tokyo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Honden on Map
Walking Tours in Tokyo, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Tokyo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tokyo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shinjuku Walking Tour
Known as the best entertainment district in Tokyo, Shinjuku abounds in venues where visitors can play, eat, and shop to their hearts' content all day long. Besides the endless list of fun, shopping, and dining options available, the district also offers some truly amazing sightseeing opportunities which are often underrated.
One of its iconic landmarks is the two towers of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
One of its iconic landmarks is the two towers of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Asakusa District Walking Tour
The Asakusa district is one of the few places in Tokyo that retains the old world's charm. Known as Tokyo's oldest geisha district, this neighborhood houses narrow streets, temple markets, traditional shops and restaurants that collectively create the air of old Tokyo.
At the heart of Asakusa, you'll find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, a helpful starting point... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
At the heart of Asakusa, you'll find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, a helpful starting point... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Yanaka Walking Tour
A bit away from Downtown Tokyo, Yanaka is a hidden spot with a lot to offer. This neighborhood is known for its narrow alleys, traditional wooden houses, izakaya pubs, and old-style shops. Having largely escaped the damage of World War II, Yanaka exudes the last-century charm of Tokyo's old town ambiance.
With a high concentration of ancient places of worship in the district, the air here... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
With a high concentration of ancient places of worship in the district, the air here... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Ginza Shopping Tour
Often compared with New York's Fifth Avenue, Ginza is the most luxurious shopping district in Tokyo. Its two main avenues running through the area, Chuo-dori Street and Harumi-dori Street, are lined with high-end boutiques, enormous department stores, and flagship stores of renowned international brands carrying a wealth of merchandise, from fashion and jewelry to electronics and cosmetics.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tokyo Imperial Palace Walking Tour
The Imperial Palace, the residence of the Japanese Emperor, is a vast expanse of green in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by moats. The palace stands on the site previously occupied by the Edo Castle, in the 17th–19th centuries. While the royal residential compound is closed for visitors (except for two days a year – January 1st and December 23rd), a big part of the palace grounds, including... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Ueno Park Walking Tour
Ueno Park, found next to the Ueno subway station in Tokyo, is a sprawling urban oasis. Home to more than 1,000 cherry trees, each year during the cherry blossom season (between late March and early April) it becomes a site of pilgrimage equally popular with locals and tourists.
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the Saigo Takamori Statue, which pays tribute to the legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the Saigo Takamori Statue, which pays tribute to the legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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