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.

Himeji
Himeji Castle	April 2010 to March 2015	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.
Tokyo
Ueno Toshogu Shrine	December 2008 to December 2013	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.
Kyoto
Kiyomizudera Temple	2008 to 2019	Nine of the buildings at Kiyomizudera are being renovated step by step over the coming years. Currently, 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.
Chionin Temple	2012 to March 2019	Chionin's main hall, the Miedo Hall, is undergoing major renovation works that fully started in 2012 and will last until March 2019. During the renovation works, the hall is covered by a large scaffolding structure and closed to visitors.
Tenryuji Temple	December 2012 to March 2014	From December 2012 through March 2014, Tenryuji's main halls are being renovated. During the time, the halls are covered up, and it is not possible to enter them. The garden, which many visitors consider the temple's main attraction, remains open to the public.
Higashi Honganji Temple	July 2003 to ???	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.
Kamigamo Shrine	until 2015	Kamigamo Shrine's main building is currently undergoing renovation works that are periodically carried out every 21 years (instead of a full rebuilding of the shrine). During the renovation works, the building is covered up by a large scaffolding structure. The works are scheduled for completion in 2015.
Uji
Byodoin Temple	September 2012 to March 2014	From September 2012 through March 2014 the Phoenix Hall is undergoing renovation works and is covered up by scaffolding. Tours of the hall's interior are suspended during the renovations. The admission fee is reduced to 300 yen.
Nara
Yakushiji Temple	January 2011 to 2019	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.
Kofukuji Temple	1998 to 2023	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.
Nikko
Rinnoji Temple	2007 to March 2021	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.
Toshogu Shrine	2007 to March 2019	Over the years, several of the shrine's many buildings are being renovated. From April 2013, the centrally located Yomeimon Gate and one of the three storehouses near the shrine's entrance are undergoing renovation works that are expected to take six years.
Near Narita
Katori Shrine	until November 2013	The main shrine building is currently being renovated and covered up by scaffolding. The works are scheduled to be completed around November 2013.
Izumo
Izumo Taisha	2009 to May 2013	Major renovation works have been carried out on the shrine's main hall for several years during which the hall was hidden by a large scaffolding structure. In the meantime, the main hall is uncovered again, and the renovations are scheduled to be fully completed by May 2013.
Nagoya
Nagoya Castle	2009 to 2018	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.
Matsushima
Zuiganji Temple	2009 to March 2018	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.

Legend:

closed

major impact

minor impact