Tokyo · Around Shinjuku

Hanazono Shrine

How to get there and what to see · facts checked 2026-10-24

A shrine in the middle of Shinjuku's office towers, the town's guardian shrine (sōchinju) since before the Edo period began.

Nearest station: Zero minutes on foot from Exit E2 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station
Hours: Shrine office open every day (no hours listed on the official site)
Admission: The official site lists no charge for the grounds

What to see

Great torii gate: a tall iron gate built in 1996 that marks the entrance.
Geino Sengen Shrine: a small shrine tied to theatre and dance, with many offerings from performers.
Itoku Inari Shrine: a row of red torii gates donated by worshippers.
Bronze lion-dog statue: cast in 1821 and listed as a cultural property of Shinjuku Ward.
Kagura hall: sacred dance and festival music are performed here at New Year, Setsubun, the May festival and the November Tori-no-ichi fair.

Seasons

In November the shrine holds its Tori-no-ichi fair, with sacred dance and music at the kagura hall (shrine's guide).

History

The shrine was already Shinjuku's guardian shrine before Tokugawa Ieyasu set up his shogunate in 1603, and its deity is said to have been invited from Mount Yoshino in Nara before 1590. It moved to its present spot between 1624 and 1644. In 1965 Otori Shrine was merged into it and the name Hanazono Shrine became official.

Getting there

Right next to Exit E2 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Fukutoshin lines, Toei Shinjuku Line). From the east exit of Shinjuku Station (JR, Odakyu, Keio) it is a seven-minute walk.

Address：5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Directions in Google Maps →Official website →

Around Shinjuku

Tap a red pin to open that sight's page.

Nearby sights

← Tokyo guide: trains from Tokyo

Sources

Hours, prices and history come from the official websites and public tourism pages listed here. They can change, so check the official site before you go.