Hanazono Shrine in Tokyo

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Facts & Figures

Hanazono Shrine (Hanazono-jinja) is a Shinto Shrine located in the heart of Tokyo close to the entertainment district Kabukicho in Shinjuku. The word hanazono stands for Flower Garden. The area surrounding the shrine was once part of the Imperial Gardens. Now you will see there instead the modern high-rise buildings of Shinjuku. Hanazono-jinja has a long history and is dedicated to Inari, a god (kami) of business success, trade, and fertility.  Explore Ryokans in Tokyo >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. The Hanazono Shrine grounds include several sub-shrines like the Itoku Inari Shrine. You have to pass through some smaller torii gates before reaching the sub-shrine. The architectural style of the main building (honden) is called dozo-zukuri. During spring and autumn, there are beautiful festivals held at the shrine, like the Setsubun in February, Reitaisai in May, or Tori-no-ichi in November, which are definitely worth a visit. Twice a year the well-known Japanese theatrical company, Karakumi gives amazing thought-provoking performances here. Another highlight is the cherry blossom season (sakura) at the end of March and beginning of April. Many people come here to enjoy this beautiful scenery at the shrine grounds.

• Hanazono Shrine
• Opening Hours - every day for 24hrs
• Closed - never, always open
• Admission Fee - free

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History

The exact date of the construction of the Hanazono Shrine is unknown, but the shrine was already mentioned in 1590 during the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1568 - 1600). It was the time before shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa (1543 - 1616) overtook the power in the castle town Edo, which is known now as Tokyo. Between 1624 and 1644 (Kan'ei era) the location of the shrine was 250 meters south of the current spot. The old location is now occupied by the huge Isetan Department Store. Hanazono was heavily damaged in its history due to fires for example in 1780 and 1811. The shrine you see today is a concrete replica from 1965 after it was completely destroyed during World War 2. The komainu (lion-dogs) statues at the entrance of the shrine date back to the 18th century and have survived all the tragic events.

Sightseeing spots at the Hanazono Shrine grounds

Top:

Geino Asama Shrine - This sub-shrine is dedicated to performers to give them good fortune for their shows. It is also known as the deity of entertainment. Many artists (show hosts, singers, actors, etc.) come here to pray before their performance starts. Some of them made larger donations to the shrine. You can read their names on the boards surrounding the shrine.

Itoku Inari Shrine - You can reach the little shrine only by passing through a row of small torii gates. It is a typical Inari fox shrine. The head shrine of Inari can be found in Kyoto and is called Fushimi Inari-Taisha, which gave me my best shrine visit experience in Japan.

Karajishi-zo statue - This bronze statue/sculpture got the status of a tangible cultural property by Shinjuku officials.

Nearby:

Golden Gai - Next to the Hanazono Shrine is this unique bar district located. It is a warren of alleys lined with bars within the Kabukicho district.

Festival & Events at the shrine (dates can change without notice)

January

New Year's Day prayers (1st)
People come here in January to pray for a successful year.

February

Setsubun (3rd)
One day before spring arrives (lunar calendar) the Setsubun is celebrated. Bean-throwing (Mame maki) ceremonies are held at the shrine to get good fortune for the year. Do not miss the bonfire in the evening.

May

Hanazono Shrine Grand Festival - Reitaisai (29th - 30th of May)
Huge processions are held on these days. During odd-numbered years there is a procession of shrine-owned mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine). During even-numbered years you can experience a joint procession of community-owned mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine).

November

Tori-no-Ichi (3times in Nov)
The Tori-no-Ichi festival attracts every year more than 600000 visitors. Enjoy hundreds of colorfully lit-up lanterns and a market with over 200 rake shops and stalls, which sells kumade (colorful decorated bamboo rakes). These rakes are said to bring good fortune to the buyers. These markets are held at many Shinto shrines in Tokyo. Out of the three largest Tori-no-Ichi festivals within the Kanto region, this is number two.