Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Yasukuni-jinja
(
Click here
)
was erected by the Meiji government to honour those
who died bringing about the Meiji Restoration. It has since become a shrine to all war
casualties, including enlisted men, civilians and since 1978, 14 class-A war criminals,
among them WWII general Hideki Tōjō. Following the separation of religion and state
in 1946 enacted by the American occupation, the management of Yasukuni-jinja was
transferred to a private religious organisation.
Leading politicians ocassionally visit the shrine to pay their respects, most often on
the anniversary of the end of WWII. This angers Japan's Asian neighbours, who
suffered greatly in Japan's wars of expansion of the 20th century. As a result, the de-
cision by a sitting prime minister to visit the shrine or not is seen as a strong political
statement, and is watched throughout East Asia. No emperor has visited Yasukuni-
jinja since 1978.
Eating
10
Le Bretagne
$
FRENCH
OFFLINE MAP
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This French-owned cafe, hidden on a cobblestone lane in Kagurazaka, is credited
with starting the Japanese rage for crepes. Savoury buckwheat galettes are made
with ham and cheese imported from France and farm fresh vegetables; the sweet
ones - with the likes of caramelised butter, apple compote and ice cream - are di-
vine.
(
3235-3001;
www.le-bretagne.com/e/top.html
; 4-2 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku; crepes
¥950-1680;
11.30am-11.30pm Tue-Sat, to 9pm Sun;
JR Sōbu Line to Iidabashi, west exit;
)
11
Kururi
$
RĀMEN
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The lineup of
rāmen
fanatics outside this cramped, anonymous noodle shop
proves its street cred among connoisseurs. The
miso-rāmen
broth is swamp-thick,
