2025.04.11

Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku's guardian deity, a sacred place for performing arts

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Hanazono Shrine stands quietly in the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku. Although it is located in an excellent location just a short walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station, when you step inside, you will find a tranquil space that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Hanazono Shrine, which has been enshrined as the chief guardian of Shinjuku since before the opening of Edo Prefecture and has watched over people's lives, has a history that has progressed along with the development of Shinjuku and an aspect as a god of performing arts.

Article Contents

An oasis of faith and culture in Shinjuku
- History as the chief keeper of Shinjuku ・ Its origin and transition

An oasis of faith and culture in Shinjuku

History as the chief keeper of Shinjuku ・ Its origin and transition

The origin of Hanazono Shrine is ancient, and it is said that it was solicited by Yamato Yoshinoyama. In the early Edo period (1624~1644), it was located near the current Shinjuku Isetan Department Store. However, during the Kansei year, a hatamoto named Asakura Chikugomori set up a lower mansion in this area, and the shrine was enclosed within the Asakura clan's mansion.

Concerned about this situation, the shrine appealed to the shogunate and decided to take over the current location. This area is said to have been part of the Owari clan, the head of the Tokugawa family, and the vast garden was filled with seasonal flowers. Since it was relocated to the beautiful flower garden, it came to be called "Hanazono Inari Shrine", which is the origin of the current company name.

As Shinjuku developed as a post town, Hanazono Shrine attracted people's faith and played a role as the general guardian of Shinjuku. However, he also experienced the hardship of the shrine being destroyed by repeated large fires. In the 9th year of Yasunaga (1780) and the 8th year of culture (1811), a theater was set up in the precincts to rebuild the shrine that had been burned down, and spectacles and plays were performed, entertaining many people.

Aspects as a god of performing arts ・Shinjuku culture

Hanazono Shrine became known as the god of the performing arts because of the performance at this theater. In the Edo period, Shinjuku flourished as a post town, where a variety of people gathered, and the theater at Hanazono Shrine was bustling as a center of entertainment.

After the war, Shinjuku, where the Koshu Kaido and Ome Kaido intersect, developed as a city where diverse cultures mixed. Especially since the 1960s, new cultures such as theater and music have been born, and Shinjuku has been full of young people's energy.

Hanazono Shrine has also played a role in fostering this culture in Shinjuku. In particular, the theater company "Situation Theater" led by playwright and director Karajuro set up a red tent in the precincts of Hanazono Shrine and staged underground theater, which has been passed down as an event that symbolizes the relationship between Hanazono Shrine and Shinjuku culture.

Karajuro's tent play had a great impact on the young people of the time and played an important role in establishing Shinjuku as a cultural center. Hanazono Shrine has functioned not only as a religious facility, but also as a place to create and disseminate a new culture.

Just as the origins of performing arts are Shinto rituals, Hanazono Shrine and Shinjuku's culture are deeply connected. For those who want to increase their popularity and success in the performing arts, Hanazono Shrine is a special place that still attracts many worshippers.

Walking around the precincts ・ Highlights and benefits

In the precincts of Hanazono Shrine, there are various precinct shrines in addition to the main shrine, each of which is said to have different benefits.

The Inari Shrine, with its bright vermilion-colored torii gates, is said to have the benefits of marital harmony, marriage, and prosperous business. It is especially popular with women and is visited by many worshippers who wish for the fulfillment of love. The sight of countless red torii gates is a masterpiece, and it is also a popular photo spot.
Asama Shrine, known as the god of the performing arts, is visited by many people involved in the entertainment industry and artists. In the precincts, there are many ema and votive cards that wish for the achievement of performing arts, and the number continues to increase year by year. It may be interesting to try to find your own name.
Ōtori Shrine, known as the god of prosperous business, is especially popular at the rooster market. The rooster market, held every November, is full of people wishing for a prosperous business and crowding with people looking for rakes.

A calming space, an urban oasis

The precincts of Hanazono Shrine are a calming space away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by lush green trees, surrendering to the quiet flow of time, you can forget the fatigue of daily life and relax your mind.

The worship hall is decorated in bright vermilion and gives a sense of powerful energy. If you put your hands together in front of the worship hall, express your daily gratitude, and recite your wishes in your heart, God will surely have your back.

The priests and other priests always greet us with a smile and respond politely. The precincts are well cleaned, and they are always kept clean and comfortable. This kind of attention to detail is probably one of the reasons why it is loved by many worshippers.

Access Information

Location: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
A Xes
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line, Toei Shinjuku Line "Shinjuku Sanchome Station" A short walk from Exit E2
Opening hours, free precincts
Reception hours: 9 a.m. ~ 5 p.m.
Official website (insert link to the official website of Hanazono Shrine)

What's nearby

In the vicinity of Hanazono Shrine, there are tourist attractions such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Isetan, as well as many dining options.

In Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, you can enjoy the nature of the four seasons in the vast garden. As an oasis in the city, it is familiar to many people.
Isetan Shinjuku store is a department store that handles various products such as fashion, miscellaneous goods, and food. In addition to shopping, there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes.
Shinjuku Golden Gai is an area lined with restaurants with a retro atmosphere. There are many unique bars and taverns, and it is bustling at night.

Recommendation for visiting Hanazono Shrine

When you visit Shinjuku, be sure to visit Hanazono Shrine. Forget the hustle and bustle of the city, and in a quiet and calming space, express your daily gratitude to God and recite your wishes in your heart.

In particular, those who are involved in the entertainment industry, artists, and those who wish to increase their popularity luck are recommended to visit the Performing Arts Sengen Shrine. Also, if you wish for marital harmony or marriage, please visit the Gotoku Inari Shrine.

Hanazono Shrine will continue to be loved and loved by many people as the guardian deity of Shinjuku and as a sacred place for the performing arts.

Festivals at Hanazono Shrine

At Hanazono Shrine, various festivals are held throughout the year.

The annual festival, held in May every year, is one of the most important festivals at Hanazono Shrine. The shrine is held and various votive events are held, and it is crowded with many people.
Rooster Market: The Rooster Market, held every November, is a festival crowded with people wishing for prosperous business. The precincts are filled with enthusiasm as people seek pitchforks.

Visiting the shrine during the festival season is also a good opportunity to learn more about the charm of Hanazono Shrine.

Hanazono Shrine is an irreplaceable symbol of Shinjuku's history and culture. When you visit Shinjuku, be sure to visit Hanazono Shrine and experience its history and culture. Then, forget the hustle and bustle of the city, pray quietly, and get energized for tomorrow. It will be an experience that will remain deep in your heart.

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