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 which have been lost in the past. As a result, a traveler may occasionally come across a sightseeing spot which is closed for renewal or affected by construction works.
In an effort to help avoiding bad surprises due to constructions and renovations, we are maintaining the following list of Japanese sightseeing spots which are currently (or have recently been) affected by major renovation or construction works. Note however, that this list is not complete and that there might be other major constructions going on at spots not listed below. If you know of one, please use the feedback form further down the page and let us know.
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Himeji
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Himeji Castle
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April 2010
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March 2015
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Major renovation works are being carried out on the main keep of Himeji Castle over several years, during which the main keep will be covered up by scaffolding. See the Himeji Castle page for more details.
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Tokyo
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Kabukiza Theater
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May 2010
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Spring 2013
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The Kabukiza Theater in the Ginza will be torn down and rebuilt at the base of a skyscraper. The opening of the new theater is planned for 2013.
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Ueno Toshogu Shrine
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December 2008
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December 2013
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The main building of the Toshogu Shrine in Ueno Park (not to be confused with Nikko Toshogu) is being renovated and cannot be entered. The shrine grounds and peony garden remain open to visitors.
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Kyoto
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Kiyomizudera Temple
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2008
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2019
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Nine of the buildings at Kiyomizudera are being renovated step by step over the coming years. Until March 2013, the Okunoin Hall, which is well known for the temple's secondary balcony, and the Amida Hall are being renovated. The construction has a certain but not overwhelming impact on a visit. Later in the decade, the main hall will also undergo renovation which can be expected to have a bigger impact on a visit.
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Higashi Honganji Temple
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July 2003
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???
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Renovation works have been completed on the temple's main hall in 2009, but the adjacent Amida Hall is now covered by a huge roof in preparation for renovation works, which started in 2011.
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Nijo Jinya
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May 2009
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2012
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Not to be confused with nearby Nijo Castle, the Nijo Jinya former inn is currently closed for three years for renovation.
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Nara
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Yakushiji Temple
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January 2011
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2019
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The Eastern pagoda of Yakushiji is undergoing a major renovation over a time period of almost ten years, during which it is covered up by scaffolding. The other buildings are unaffected and still make a worthwhile visit.
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Kofukuji Temple
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1998
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2023
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The Central Golden Hall is presently being reconstructed and scheduled to be completed in October 2018. Further reconstruction works around the hall are planned for many years beyond 2018. Despite the construction works, a visit to Kofukuji is still recommended.
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Nikko
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Rinnoji Temple
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2007
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March 2021
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The Sanbutsudo Hall, the temple's main hall, is undergoing major renovation works for over ten years. During this period, the temple hall is covered by a huge scaffolding structure, but it remains open to tourists.
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Toshogu Shrine
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2007
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March 2019
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Over the years, several of the shrine's many buildings are being renovated. Until spring 2013, the haiden/honden hall is being renovated, but visitors can still enter the building, and the general impact on a visit is rather small. From 2013, the Yomeimon Gate is scheduled for renovation.
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Miyajima
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Itsukushima Shrine
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April 19
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June 18, 2012
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The torii gate is currently covered up by scaffolding to fix damage caused by a storm in April 2012. The works are scheduled to be completed on June 18, 2012.
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Izumo
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Izumo Taisha
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2009
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2013
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Major renovation works are carried out on the shrine's main hall, during which the hall is hidden by a large scaffolding structure.
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Nagoya
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Nagoya Castle
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2009
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2018
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The castle's former palace buildings are currently being rebuilt, with a first one scheduled for completion in 2013. Because visitors are allowed to closely observe the construction works, they can even enrich a visit to the castle.
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Matsushima
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Zuiganji Temple
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2009
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March 2018
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Renovation of the main hall. The temple grounds remain open, however the main hall will be closed from September 2009 through March 2016 during which time visitors can view alternate buildings that are not normally open to the public.
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Legend:
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closed
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major impact
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minor impact
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Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.
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