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

The Baby hitmaker 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.

The shrine is seen across Asia as a symbol of Japan's perceived lack of penitence for its imperialist past, but the singer posted a picture on his Instagram.com account on Tuesday (22Apr14) showing him visiting the shrine, which prompted a backlash from some fans who lambasted him for his historical ignorance.

Thirteen hours later, Bieber removed the controversial snap 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."