Hanazono Jinja (Hanazono Shrine)

Hanazono Jinja is a shinto shrine located near Kabuki-Cho in Shinjuku.
The shrine has always held its position as a head shrine of guardian deities of Shinjuku since before 1603, when Edo Bakuhu (shogun led government of Japan) of Tokugawa Ieyasu shogun was established.
It is said that the shrine was transferred from Yamatoji Yoshino Yama (Yoshino mountain in Nara) before Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to Musashino-Kuni (current Saitama prefecture).
Hanazono Jinja is famous for its Tori-No-Ichi, known as Cock Festival, held every November. Energetic festive atmosphere fills the shrine as many lively stalls do their Tejime, a traditional ceremonial hand-clappings, and sell Engi Kumade, a fortune rake. This fortune Kumade is thought to rake in happiness and prosperity, inviting many businesses to place them in their establishments for good luck.

Decorated with brilliant orange-red lacquer, the main building of the shrine attracts many worshipers as well as people who wish to take rests and meet friends.
After the war, Shinjuku became the place to rejuvenate with new culture bustling with energy. Hanazono Jinja has also supported in developing cultural aspect of Japan by hosting events such as tent theater by Kara Juro.

Just as the origin of performing arts is embedded within the act of shinto ritual, the relationship between Hanazono Jinja and cultures of Shinjuku are interwoven.