Most of Japanese people go to a shrine during the first three days of the New Year.
Yasukuni Shrine was established to commemorate and honor the achievement of those who dedicated their precious lives for their country.
The name "Yasukuni," given by the Emperor Meiji represents wishes for preserving peace of the nation.
More than 2,466,000 divinities are enshrined here at Yasukuni Shrine. These are souls of men who made ultimate sacrifice for their nation since 1853 during national crisis.
I think Yasukuni Shrine is similar to Arlington National Cemetery in the United States.