Guardian deity of Hanazono Shrine and Shinjuku, and the sacred place for entertainment

Oasis of faith and culture that lives in Shinjuku

Hanazono Shrine is quietly located in the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku. Although it is located just a short walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station, you will find a tranquil space that will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of the city. Hanazono Shrine, which has been enshrined as the general guardian of Shinjuku even before the founding of Edo, has been watching over the lives of its people, and has a history that has been progressing with the development of Shinjuku and an aspect of its entertainment gods.

History as the general guardian of Shinjuku - Its origins and changes

Hanazono Shrine has an ancient origin and is said to have been enshrined from Mt. Yamato Yoshino. During the Kanei era (1624-1644) in the early Edo period, it was located near the present day Shinjuku Isetan Department Store. However, during the Kansei era, a hatamoto called Asakura Chikugomori set up a down residence in this area, and the shrine was surrounded by the Asakura clan's mansion.

Concerned about this situation, the shrine sued the shogunate and decided to take over the current location. This area is part of the lower mansion of the Owari Domain, the top three Tokugawa clan, and it is said that the vast gardens were filled with flowers from all four seasons. The current name comes from the fact that the company was relocated to this beautiful garden, and it became known as "Hanazono Inari Shrine."

As Shinjuku developed as a post town, Hanazono Shrine has gathered people's faith and has played a role as the general guardian of Shinjuku. However, they also experience the hardships of the shrine building being burned down due to repeated major fires. In 1780 and 1811, a theatre was set up in the grounds to rebuild the burnt-down shrine, and spectacles and plays were held, entertaining many people.

The God of Entertainment - The origin of Shinjuku culture

Hanazono Shrine became known as the god of entertainment at this theater. Shinjuku, which flourished as a post town during the Edo period, attracted a variety of people, and the theater at Hanazono Shrine became a bustling entertainment center.

After the war, Shinjuku, where the Koshu Kaido and Ome Kaido intersect, developed as a city where diverse cultures are mixed together. Especially since the 1960s, new cultures such as theater and music were born, and Shinjuku was filled with energy from young people.

Hanazono Shrine has also played a role in fostering this kind of culture in Shinjuku. In particular, the fact that the theater company "State Theater," led by playwright and director Kara Juro, set up a red tent on the grounds of Hanazono Shrine and performed an underground theater is reminiscent of an event that symbolizes the relationship between Hanazono Shrine and Shinjuku culture.

Kara Juro's tent plays had a major impact on young people at the time and played an important role in establishing Shinjuku as a source of culture. Hanazono Shrine has not only functioned as a religious facility, but also as a place for creating and disseminating new cultures.

Just as the origins of entertainment are rituals, Hanazono Shrine and Shinjuku culture are deeply connected. Hanazono Shrine is a special place for those who want to improve their popularity and succeed in the entertainment industry, and is still attracting many visitors today.

Strolling around the temple grounds - Sightseeing and benefits

In addition to the main shrine, Hanazono Shrine has a variety of shrines in the grounds, and each shrine is said to have different benefits.

1. Itoku Inari Shrine - Itoku Inari Shrine, which is lined with bright vermilion torii gates, is said to bring good fortune for a happy marriage, matchmaking, and business prosperity. It is particularly popular among women, and is visited by many worshippers who wish to achieve love. The sight of countless red torii gates lined up is spectacular and is also popular as a photo shoot spot.
2. Entertainment Asama Shrine and the god of entertainment, many entertainment-related people and artists visit Asama Shrine to worship. There are many ema and votive tickets dedicated to the shrine, hoping for success in performing arts, and the number of these items continues to increase year by year. It might be interesting to try looking for your name.
3. Otori Shrine - Otori Shrine, known as the god of prosperity in business, is particularly bustling with Torinoichi. Torinoichi, held every November, is filled with people hoping for a prosperous business and is bustling with people seeking rakes.

A calming space, an oasis in the city

The grounds of Hanazono Shrine are a calming space isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by lush green trees, as you surrender to the quiet flowing time, you will forget about the fatigue of everyday life and feel at ease.

The worship hall is decorated with vivid vermilion, giving it a sense of powerful energy. If you put your hands in front of the worship hall, express your gratitude every day, and chant your wishes in your heart, God will surely push you towards your back.

The priests and other priests are always greeted with smiles and treated with courteous care. The grounds are also well-cleaned, and are always in good condition. This kind of care is one of the reasons why many visitors love it.

Access information

1. Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
   
2. Access:
   Short walk from Shinjuku 3-chome Station E2 exit of Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line and Toei Shinjuku Line
   
3. Opening hours and freedom of the temple grounds
   
4. Office reception hours: 9am-5pm
   
5. Official website: (insert link to Hanazono Shrine's official website)

Nearby information

There are many restaurants and tourist spots such as Shinjuku Gyoen and Isetan, as well as tourist attractions around Hanazono Shrine.

1. You can enjoy the nature of the seasons in Shinjuku Gyoen's vast gardens. It is popular with many people as an oasis in the city.
   
2. Isetan Shinjuku store - a department store that carries a variety of products, including fashion, miscellaneous goods, and food. Not only is there a wide range of shops, but there are also restaurants and cafes.
   
3. Shinjuku Golden Gai - an area lined with restaurants with a retro atmosphere. There are many unique bars and izakayas, and they are bustling in the evenings.

Recommended visit to Hanazono Shrine

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

In particular, if you are involved in the entertainment industry, artists, or those who wish to improve their popularity, we recommend visiting the Geigen Asama Shrine. If you are hoping for a happy marriage or a matchmaking, please visit Weitoku 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 entertainment.

Hanazono Shrine Festival

Hanazono Shrine holds various festivals throughout the year.

1. Reitaisai - Reitaisai, held every May, is one of the most important festivals at Hanazono Shrine. Mikoshi and various offerings are held, making it bustling with many people.
   
2. Torinoichi - Torinoichi, held every November, is a festival filled with people hoping for a prosperous business. The temple grounds are filled with excitement as people seeking rakes.

Visiting the shrine at the festival is also a great opportunity to learn more about the charms of Hanazono Shrine.

Hanazono Shrine is an irreplaceable entity that symbolizes Shinjuku's history and culture. When you visit Shinjuku, be sure to visit Hanazono Shrine and experience its history and culture. Then, forget about the hustle and bustle of the city, pray quietly, and gain energy for tomorrow. It will surely be a deeply lingering experience for you.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

Contact

Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.