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

Tokyo

Edo-Tokyo Museum Closed
April 2022 until 2025
The Edo-Tokyo Museum is closed for renovation from April 2022 until 2025.

Kyoto

Enryakuji Temple (Hieizan) Minor Impact
2016 to 2026
Enryakuji's main hall is undergoing renovations from 2016 for about ten years. During the renovations, the main hall is covered by scaffolding, but it remains possible to enter the hall.

Shorenin Temple Major Impact
2022 to 2025
Major renovation works are currently being done on the main hall and other structures of Shorenin Temple from 2022 until around 2025; however, the temple remains open for visitors during the renovation works.

Nara

Kofukuji Temple Minor Impact
July 2023 to March 2031
Kofukuji's 5-storied pagoda is undergoing extensive renovation works from July 2023 until March 2031, during which the pagoda will be covered up.

Kurobe Gorge

Kurobe Gorge Railway Major Impact
Entire 2024 season
A bridge along the Kurobe Gorge Railway was damaged in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024. As a result, the railway will be operating only as far as Nekomata Station half way along the line in 2024. It is expected to resume operating along its entire length in 2025.

Yamaguchi

Rurikoji Temple Pagoda Major Impact
February 2023 until November 2025
The pagoda of Rurikoji Temple is undergoing renovations from February 2023 until November 2025, during which it will be covered up by scaffolding.

Matsuyama

Dogo Onsen Honkan Minor Impact
January 2019 to December 2024
From January 2019 to December 2024, renovation works have been carried out on the Dogo Onsen Honkan. The entire interior of the bathhouse reopened on July 11, 2024, and the extensive renovation project will be fully completed by the end of the year.

Dazaifu

Daizafu Tenmangu Shrine Minor Impact
May 2023 to 2026
Daizafu Tenmangu's main hall is undergoing major renovations from May 2023 until around 2026. However, a unique temporary offering hall with grass and trees on its roof was built to serve visitors during the renovation period.

Kumamoto

Kumamoto Castle Minor Impact
From 2016 to around 2038
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, on June 28, 2021, the interior of the castle's main keep was finally reopened to the public, but several other parts of the grounds, including the castle palace, remain off-limit. Repair works on the castle grounds are expected to continue until around 2038.

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