Singer Justin Bieber has apologised to fans for having his picture taken at a controversial shrine in Japan.

Bieber paid a visit to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Japan's war dead, including former military leaders who committed mass atrocities across Asia, and the Pacific during World War II, reports contactmusic.com.

The incident prompted a backlash from some Bieber fans who lambasted him for his historical ignorance.

Bieber removed the controversial picture Tuesday and issued an apology, writing: "While in Japan I asked my driver to pull over for which I saw a beautiful shrine (sic). I was mislead to think the Shrines were only a place of prayer (sic). To anyone I have offended I am extremely sorry. I love you China and I love you Japan."