Located in the heart of Shinjuku Ward, the Hanazono-Jinja Shrine has been a historic landmark and guardian of Shinjuku since the Edo period. Its tranquil grounds and vibrant weekly antiques fair provide a stark yet harmonious contrast to the bustling energy of the nearby Kabukicho red-light district.
With between 25 and 30 flea market stalls each week, the Antique Fair at Hanazono Shrine is a treasure trove for history and art lovers. Visitors are greeted with a diverse selection of antiques, ranging from quaint small furniture to fascinating collectibles such as old coins. Each piece displayed at the fair is a testament to the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and history.
Despite its proximity to bustling Kabukicho, once visitors enter the shrine grounds, any sense of incongruity disappears. The shrine exudes a serenity characteristic of sacred places, offering comfort and a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The juxtaposition of the sacred shrine and the vibrant flea market creates a unique ambiance, offering visitors an immersive experience in the cultural richness of Japan.
Hanazono Shrine's significance as the largest shrine in Shinjuku is complemented by its historical roots. Founded in the Edo period, it has witnessed the development of Shinjuku and continues to serve as a spiritual sanctuary and cultural center for both locals and tourists. The shrine's architecture and surroundings reflect Japan's traditional aesthetics and provide a picturesque backdrop for the Antique Fair.
Conveniently located, the Antique Fair is just a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome station on the Marunouchi and Toei Shinjuku subway lines, and 7 minutes from the east exit of Shinjuku station on the JR Yamanote and Chuo lines. This accessibility makes it an ideal destination for those who wish to explore the intricacies of Japanese antiques and vintage items.
For those who appreciate the allure of the past, the Hanazono-Jinja Shrine Flea Market offers a myriad of unique and meaningful treasures. Each visit promises new discoveries and insights into Japan's rich heritage, making it a must-visit destination for antique enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
The Hanazono-Jinja Shrine and its Antique Fair stand as beacons of cultural richness in the vibrant Shinjuku district. The serene atmosphere of the shrine and the diverse offerings of the fair provide a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.
Hilda Cross
7th September 2015 at 22:44My advice is to get to Hanazono-Jinja Shrine early while there are still bargains to be had, but even near closing time there is something for any taste, and at prices well below anything you can find in mainstream stores. My husband bought a century old print of a geisha, and I bought a wood carving.
Chris Soto
30th June 2016 at 16:43You definitely need to sort through the junk, and perhaps nothing left is really ‘antique’, but has cultural significance at least. There are rolled up paintings, scripts, and other memorabilia. There was one couple selling kimonos and yukatas for women and men, and they even dressed a visitor, too. There were also rolls of kimono fabric for sale. Then the bells, masks, sculptures, bracelets and other odds and ends you’d expect at a flea market.
If anything, the prices were slightly lower than other places I visited on my trip, especially when you’re not willing to spend hundreds of USD or tens of thousands of Yen on newer kimonos, and it can go up ten times as much for better quality pieces.