Hanazono Shrine [Tokyo]

【Overview of Hanazono Shrine】

The exact founding year of Hanazono Shrine remains unknown. However, surviving historical records indicate that it already existed prior to 1590, the year Tokugawa Ieyasu formally entered Edo (present-day Tokyo). According to oral tradition, the shrine’s history began when the divine spirit was welcomed and enshrined here from Mount Yoshino in Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture).

Originally, the shrine was located near the present-day Isetan Shinjuku department store (approximately 250 meters to the south). However, during the Kan’ei era (1624–1644), a hatamoto (shogunal retainer) named Asakura Chikugo-no-kami received a grant for a suburban residence (shimoyashiki) in that immediate area. As a result, the shrine grounds became completely enclosed within his private estate, preventing the public from visiting to pray. The shrine authorities petitioned the Shogunate, and in response, they were granted a portion of the gardens belonging to the suburban villa of the Owari Domain—which is the current location. Because this relocation site was the former grounds of a breathtakingly beautiful flower garden where countless blossoms grew in wild profusion, the sanctuary came to be called “Hanazono Inari Shrine” (Flower Garden Inari Shrine), marking the origin of its current name.

The sanctuary enshrines three individual deities together, collectively known as San-hashira no Kamisama:

Ukanomitama no Mikoto

Yamato Takeru no Mikoto

Ukemochi no Kami

【The Hanazono Shrine Main Approach (Meiji-dori Side)】

Hanazono Shrine features three separate approaches (entrances), each boasting unique characteristics and scenery that can only be experienced here in the great metropolis of Shinjuku.

The main approach facing Meiji-dori Avenue is marked by a colossal red iron torii gate constructed in 1996, which stands proudly as one of the tallest shrine gates in the entire Shinjuku Ward.

【The Hanazono Shrine Approach on the Yasukuni-dori Side】

This approach offers access from the south side. Passing through the grand stone torii gate rewards visitors with a view perfectly suited to an urban oasis: a long, narrow pathway stretching elegantly between soaring high-rise skyscrapers.

Standing sentinel right next to this torii gate is a matching pair of male and female Bronze Karajishi (Chinese Lion-Dog) Statues, cast in 1821 by the master craftsman Murata Seimin. Today, they are designated as a Tangible Cultural Property (Sculpture) of Shinjuku Ward.

【The Shaden (Main Shrine Buildings)】

The main buildings of Hanazono Shrine have been repeatedly destroyed by catastrophic fires throughout the Edo period, notably in 1780 and 1811. However, each time disaster struck, the shrine parishioners (ujiko) and local residents organized “Fukko Shibai” (Restoration Theater) performances and other entertainment events to raise construction funds, grandly rebuilding the structures time and again. This history serves as a profound symbol of the relentless vitality of Shinjuku. The current main buildings were constructed in June 1965 (Showa 40). Because the previous wooden structures were completely reduced to ashes during the air raids at the end of World War II, the shrine was rebuilt and newly constructed with reinforced concrete after the war.

Furthermore, when these new buildings were erected, Otori Shrine and Raiden Shrine—which had previously existed in separate locations within the grounds or nearby—were joint-enshrined (goshi) into a single main sanctuary. Up until that point, the complex was officially known as “Hanazono Inari Shrine,” but this unification of three shrines into one prompted its formal renaming to its current title, Hanazono Shrine.

【The Auxiliary Shrine: Osame Daimyojin】

Osame Daimyojin is a tiny sanctuary nestled quietly to the left side when facing the main hall, situated just past the Kaguraden (sacred dance stage). At a quick glance, it appears to be a standard repository for returning old paper amulets and family shrine altars (kofuda-osamejo). However, it is deeply revered as a spiritual spot where a deity accepts and purifies the “negative emotions” (spiritual baggage/misfortune) that people accumulate in daily life—such as stress, anger, complaints, sadness, and lingering attachments.

For this reason, it is widely known as a “spiritual power spot for mental decluttering.” Originally, this exact spot housed the shrine building of Raiden Inari Shrine, which had been relocated from the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden during the construction of Emperor Taisho’s Tama Mausoleum; however, that deity is currently joint-enshrined in the main hall. It is worth noting that Osame Daimyojin is not assigned a specific historical figure or a named deity from Japanese mythology.

【The Auxiliary Shrine: Itoku Inari Shrine】

Itoku Inari Shrine is nestled in the back right area when facing the main hall. Because historical documents and ancient records were entirely lost during wartime destruction, its precise origins remain unverified, though it is traditionally said to have been established around April 1928 (Showa 3). The shrine offers divine blessings for marital harmony, safe childbirth, matchmaking, and success in romance.

The approach features a continuous row of vibrant vermilion torii gates that form a stunning tunnel pathway. While not as massive in scale as the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, this fantastical sight—suddenly appearing in the narrow valleys between towering metropolitan skyscrapers—is widely celebrated as a highly photogenic, Instagram-worthy spot.

【The Auxiliary Shrine: Geino Asama Shrine】

When Hanazono Shrine lost its buildings to fire during the Edo period, the shrine community held “Fukko Shibai” (Restoration Theater/Sankoin Theater), spectacles, and dance exhibitions within the precincts to raise rebuilding funds. These ventures achieved monumental success, weaving a deep, unbreakable historical bond between the shrine, the town of Shinjuku, and the performing arts. Consequently, this auxiliary sanctuary became deeply loved as a dedicated shrine for the performing arts and entertainment.

The enshrined deity is Konohanasakuya-hime, the celebrated goddess of Mount Fuji.

Within the precincts of Geino Asama Shrine stands a traditional statue of Ninomiya Kinjiro (Ninomiya Sontoku). This statue was originally erected in 1933 (Showa 8) at the nearby Yotsuya Fifth Elementary School. Following the school’s closure, it was relocated to the grounds of Hanazono Shrine, where it has been meticulously preserved and cherished to this day.

【Hanazono Shrine Goshuin】

【Hanazono Shrine Nearby Tourist Spots (Within a 30-Minute Walk)】

Inari Kio Shrine,Shinjuku Kabukicho, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Inari Kio Shrine, Naruko Tenjinsha Shrine, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Juniso Kumano Shrine

Inari Kio Shrine [Tokyo]

Shinjuku Gyoen [Tokyo]

Naruko Tenjinja Shrine [Tokyo]

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Station [Tokyo]

Shinjuku Juniso Kumano-jinja Shrine [Tokyo]

【Recommended Walking Route Including Hanazono Shrine】

The walking routes and itineraries have been compiled below for your reference, and I hope they prove useful for your travels.

【新宿～池袋】大都会の喧騒から静かな歴史街へ。新宿〜池袋の隠れた魅力を歩いて再発見する、初心者向け東京安心散策ルート

【Hanazono Shrine Access】

Admin’s Impressions

To a degree that makes it hard to believe Kabukicho and Golden Gai are right next door, the shrine precincts were beautifully maintained and filled with a remarkably crisp, refreshing air. The grounds possess far more depth and space than they appear to from the outside, and I noticed a large number of international visitors, allowing me to feel a vibrant, global energy perfectly suited to the cosmopolitan city of Shinjuku. The vibrant red lacquer finish of the shrine buildings, standing with dignified elegance while completely framed by clusters of modern skyscrapers, is stunningly beautiful no matter where you look. It made me fully understand why people from all corners of the world are naturally drawn to this place.

Scale

 (3)

Accessibility

 (5)

History / Origins

 (3.5)

Nature / Scenery

 (3)

Quietness

 (1.5)

Goshuin Variety

 (3)

Address of Hanazono Shrine

5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

*No parking available on-site.

Train (Subway):

Shinjuku Station (JR, Odakyu Line, Keio Line): Approximately a 7-minute walk from the East Exit.

Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Fukutoshin Line, Toei Shinjuku Line): Exit E2 is a 0-minute walk away.

Hanazono Shrine Official Website

参考

トップページ

花園神社 – 新宿の総鎮守 花園神社のサイトです。

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Inari Kio Shrine [Tokyo] [Shinjuku to Ikebukuro] From the Bustle of the Metropolis to a Quiet, Historic Town: A Safe and Reassuring Tokyo Walking Route for Beginners to Rediscover Hidden Charms Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine [Tokyo] Shinjuku Suwa Shrine and Genkoku-ji Temple [Tokyo]