Major renovations and constructions

It is unavoidable that sightseeing spots get periodically affected by minor and sometimes major renovation and repair works, especially wooden historical structures, such as temples, shrines and castles. Furthermore, some local governments in Japan are continuing efforts to restore historical structures that have been lost in the past. As a result, traveler may occasionally come across a spot that is affected by or closed due to construction works.

In an effort to help avoiding bad surprises due to renovation or construction works, we are maintaining the following list of sightseeing spots that are affected by such works. Note however, that this list is not complete and there may be other major constructions going on at spots not listed below. If you know of one, please let us know.

Legend:

closed

major impact

minor impact

Kyoto

Enryakuji Temple (Hieizan)
2016 to 2031
Enryakuji's main hall is undergoing renovations from 2016 for about 15 years. During the renovations, the main hall is covered by scaffolding, and the interior of the hall is closed to the public for most of 2026 and 2027.

Heian Shrine
2024 to 2031
Heian Shrine is undergoing renovation works in stages from summer 2024 until the 2030 fiscal year, which ends in March 2031. During the renovations, some of the buildings will be covered up, but visiting the shrine and garden will remain possible.

Nara

Kofukuji Temple
July 2023 to March 2034
Kofukuji's 5-storied pagoda is undergoing extensive renovation works from July 2023 until March 2034, during which the pagoda will be covered up.

Kurobe Gorge

Kurobe Gorge Railway
Until September 30, 2026
Due to a damaged bridge, the Kurobe Gorge Railway is currently operating only as far as Nekomata Station. However, it is scheduled to reopen along its entire length from October 1, 2026.

Uchiko

Uchikoza Theater
September 2024 to 2028
The Uchikoza Theater is closed for renovations from September 2024 for approximately four years, i.e. until around autumn 2028.

Kumamoto

Kumamoto Castle
From 2016 to around 2042
Kumamoto Castle suffered serious damage in the earthquakes of April 2016. Many roof tiles fell, foundations were damaged, walls crumbled and entire structures collapsed. Five years later, in 2021, the interior of the castle's main keep was reopened to the public, but several other parts of the grounds, including the castle palace, remain off-limit. Major repair works are expected to continue on the castle grounds until around 2042.

Naha

Shuri Castle
Until November 22, 2026
The main buildings of Shuri Castle were destroyed by fire in the night of October 31, 2019. Reconstruction works with the aim to rebuild the castle's main hall are well underway, and the main hall is scheduled to reopen to the public on November 23, 2026.