Yasukuni Shrine: Visit the controversy

We wouldn't usually recommend visiting a shrine rife with clashing political party activists, but the Yasakuni Shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo is definitely worth paying a visit as it holds enormous political and historical weight.

Established in 1869, the Yasukuni Shrine is dedicated to over 2.4 million people who died for the emporer in wartime, but its not without controversy -- Asian nations colonized by Japan see the shrine as sign of Japan's lack of repentance and often oppose Japanese politicians paying formal visits. On August 15th, visitors to the Yasakuni Shrine got a surprise visit as right-wing activists descended upon the shrine in remembrance of Japan's surrender during World War II in 1945.

Set near a moat alongside the palace, Yasukuni mostly attracts relatives of the dead throughout the year coming to pay their respects, but also includes an extensive museum exhibiting a rebuilt Zero fighter as well as the 'kamikaze' suicide pilots. So, if you're a history buff and like to get in the middle of the strife, head on down. There's bound to be some action.