It is unavoidable thatsightseeing spots get periodically affected by minor and sometimes major renovation and repair works, especially wooden historical structures, such astemples,shrines andcastles. 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, pleaselet us know.

Tokyo

Edo-Tokyo Museum

TheEdo-Tokyo Museum is closed for renovation from April 2022 until March 30, 2026. It is scheduled to reopen on March 31.

Kyoto

Enryakuji Temple (Hieizan)

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

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.

Kodaiji Temple

A temple hall is currently being reconstructed near the entrance of the grounds ofKodaiji until sometime in 2026, but it has only a limited impact on a visit.

Nara

Kofukuji Temple

Kofukuji's 5-storied pagoda is undergoing extensiverenovation works from July 2023 until March 2031, during which the pagoda will be covered up.

Kurobe Gorge

Kurobe Gorge Railway

A bridge along theKurobe Gorge Railway was damaged in theNoto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1, 2024, and reconstruction work is expected to continue until around July 2026. Until September 30, 2026 the railway will be operating only as far as Nekomata Station (see map below). At a later point it will be announced whether operation along the entire line can be resumed from October 2026.

Uchiko

Uchikoza Theater

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

Dazaifu

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu's main hall is undergoing major renovations from May 2023 until around 2026. A unique temporary offering hall with grass and trees on its roof was built to serve visitors during the renovation period. The temporary offering hall is scheduled to close in late May 2026.

Kumamoto

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle suffered serious damage in theearthquakes 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

The main buildings ofShuri Castle were destroyed by fire in the night of October 31, 2019. Reconstruction works have started with the aim to rebuild the castle's main hall by autumn 2026. In the meantime, tourists are encouraged to visit the castle and observe the reconstruction works.