Hanazono Jinja | 花園神社

When planning this trip, I wanted the first “sight” we saw to be something fairly quiet, and I was not disappointed.

Hanazono Jinja is a Shinto Shrine, not to be confused with a Buddhist Temple.   I guess you’re just supposed to know.  The names give it away I guess.  A “Jinja” (神社) is a Shinto shrine, whereas a “Tera” or “-Dera” (寺) is a Buddhist temple.  At a shrine, you’re supposed to cleanse your hands and mouth at the water fountain with the cups (which shouldn’t actually touch your mouth, or your hands) wave some incense around you, then make an offering to whomever and say a short prayer at the altar….

We didn’t do any of that.  I dunno, it just didn’t feel right to me.  Kinda like a non-Catholic stepping up for communion during mass.  Yeah you can, and they don’t really mind, but out of respect I just didn’t go up to any altars anywhere…  Your mileage may vary, of course.

The small section of land that Hanazono occupies is a sanctuary from the rest of the city.  Immediately the noise and hustle disappeared.  A stray crow might’ve cawed once or twice.  A few people passed through the complex, and one or two people came to pay their respects while we were there snapping away with the cameras.

Hanazono Jinja | 花園神社

The history of Hanazono goes back some 300 years, dedicated to an Imperial prince from Japanese mythology.  I believe the brightly colored orange buildings and structures on the site are reconstructions, though, as are most of the historical sites in Tokyo.

Even in reconstruction, though, the detail and craftsmanship of these buildings is simply awesome.  Awesome as in “awe inspiring.”

The Shrine has a website, but it is in Japanese only, http://www.hanazono-jinja.or.jp/mt/top/

Just around the corner (and down the stairs!) is the next stop.  The “Golden Gai” neighborhood.

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