Hanazono Shrine is a very peaceful beautiful shrine hidden in the heart of the Shinjuku city center. While its origin is largely unknown, the shrine has existed in the Shinjuku area since before the Edo Period (1603-1869 C.E.). What we do know is that it was moved to its current location sometimes between 1624 and 1644 C.E. into what was then the masion gardens of the Lord of Owari Provence, the greatest branch of the ruling Tokugawa samurai family. The shrine got its name from the brilliant flowering trees on the mansion grounds which dazzled not only the lord, but also the surrounding neighborhood. As the city grew, the shrine became a cornerstone shrine for the community and was dedicated to their well-being.

For the casual: 8. For the educated: 7.

Hanazono shrine is beautiful and a great place to visit especially for those who happen to be in the area. It's not far from the train station and it really is surrounded by the massive skyscrapers which make up the largest city in the Tokyo area. Yet for all the busy city life which surrounds this shrine, it is completely blocked out upon entering. In spring the cherry trees blossom and the occasional flea market sets up along the main walkway into the shrine. As a casual visitor, it doesn't take much effort or planning to leave the main shopping areas of Shinjuku only a block or two away. Educated visitors will also enjoy the shrine for its beauty and relativity to other things to do, but there isn't a major backstory to the shrine as to why it is there. Simply, the shrine was built to the gods of harvest back when Shinjuku was farmlands, and since then the city has been built up around it.