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 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.

Nara

Kofukuji Temple
2023 to 2030
Kofukuji's 5-storied pagoda was scheduled to undergo extensive renovation works from January 2023 until March 2030, during which the pagoda would be covered up; however, the start of renovations has been delayed until further notice due to the unexpected increase in the cost of construction materials.

Matsuyama

Dogo Onsen Honkan
January 2019 to December 2024
In January 2019, renovation works started on the Dogo Onsen Honkan during which the bath house is closed partially over a 6-year period. During the renovation works, two small baths on the first floor remain open to visitors (one for each gender), while the rest of the building, including the rest areas on the second and third floors, gets closed. Some parts of the building will be covered up by scaffolding; however, some of the building's sides will intentionally be kept free of scaffolding to reduce the impact on tourism.

Dazaifu

Daizafu Tenmangu Shrine
May 2023 to 2026
Daizafu Tenmangu's main hall will undergo major renovations from May 2023 until around 2026. However, a unique temporary offering hall with grass and trees on its roof will be available during the renovation works. The temporary hall is scheduled to be constructed from February to May 2023.

Kumamoto

Kumamoto Castle
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.