A Historic Shrine in the Heart of the City: Hanazono Shrine

Located near Shinjuku's Kabukicho area, it is less than a 10-minute walk from the station. There are two entrances, and you can also enter from the direction of Golden Gai. The atmosphere is so solemn that it makes you forget you are in the center of the city. The worship hall of Hanazono Shrine has been struck by major fires several times since its establishment, and each time the shrine buildings have been reconstructed. After the war damage of World War II, the shrine and shrine office buildings became decrepit, so in June of Showa 40 (1965), they were rebuilt with reinforced concrete, and that structure remains to this day. I was impressed by the very clean impression it gave. Additionally, every Sunday morning, an open-air antique market is held, and it was bustling with many people.