Every Sunday morning, the quiet grounds of Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku transform into a lively open-air antique market.
Dozens of stalls line the pathways, selling everything from old Japanese pottery and kimonos to vintage cameras and wooden crafts.
It’s one of Tokyo’s most accessible and atmospheric antique markets.
One Sunday morning, while walking through Shinjuku, I decided to stop by on a whim.
Passing through the bright red torii gate, I was met with an unexpected sight:
the place was filled almost entirely with visitors from overseas.
I’m not exaggerating—at least ninety percent seemed to be foreign travelers.
Why has this small antique market at Hanazono Shrine become such a magnet for international visitors?
Here are some reasons behind its remarkable appeal.
Reason ① Convenient and Reliable Schedule
Tokyo has countless flea markets and antique fairs, but many are difficult for travelers to plan around.
Some are held irregularly, others have no clear online information and are known only to locals, and some are canceled without notice.
In contrast, the antique market at Hanazono Shrine is held almost every Sunday, from early morning until sunset, offering a reliable and convenient experience for visitors.
It’s easy to fit into a travel itinerary—perfect for a quick visit before heading to your next destination.(Note: it may be canceled in case of rain.)
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Reason ② Perfect Location in Central Tokyo
Hanazono Shrine is located right in the heart of Shinjuku, just a few minutes’ walk from the world’s busiest train station and a short distance from Shinjuku-sanchome Station.
The surrounding area is packed with popular attractions, including Kabukicho, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and well-known department stores.
This makes the market easy to include in any sightseeing itinerary.
Many travelers even stop by before check-out or after breakfast at their hotels.
Its accessibility and convenience are key reasons for its popularity.
Reason ③ A Flea Market Focused on Antiques
Flea markets typically offer used clothing, household goods, and other everyday items.
While these can be convenient for locals, they aren’t always appealing to international visitors.
By contrast, the market at Hanazono Shrine, true to its name, focuses on antiques.
You’ll find Japanese pottery, folk crafts, ukiyo-e prints, vintage obi and kimono, and Asian-style accessories—items that showcase traditional Japanese beauty and craftsmanship.
Retro Japanese-made watches and cameras are also common.
Although the market was not originally created for tourists, it has naturally become a place where visitors can take home a piece of Japanese culture.
Reason ④ The Shrine Setting Itself Is a Unique Experience
While markets inside temple or shrine grounds aren’t unusual in Japan,
for foreign visitors it’s an entirely new experience.
Under the vermilion torii, rows of antiques line the pathways.
Visitors can pray, stroll, and shop at the same time—a scene that feels quintessentially Japanese.
Even without buying anything, it’s enjoyable just to walk around and take photos.
No wonder the market often appears on social media as a must-see cultural experience.
Side Note: The Shrine of the Arts
Hanazono Shrine has served as Shinjuku’s guardian deity since the early Edo period (17th century).
It is also known for its connection to the performing arts and to business prosperity.
Within the grounds stands the Geino Asama Shrine, where actors, musicians, and entertainers come to pray for success.
Every November, Hanazono also hosts the lively Tori-no-Ichi Festival, famous for its giant kumade rakes that symbolize “raking in” luck and customers.
At night, the glowing lanterns and bustling stalls create a spectacular scene.
Reason ⑤ Explore the Surrounding Neighborhoods
A short walk north from Hanazono Shrine takes you into Kabukicho,
a nightlife district that glitters with neon and is often called the city that never sleeps.
Just nearby is Golden Gai, a narrow alleyway that still retains the atmosphere of Showa-era Tokyo.
Within just a few hundred meters, you can experience both the old and new sides of Tokyo.
In this way, Hanazono Shrine’s antique market serves as a gateway to the multi-layered world of Shinjuku.
Column: What Is Golden Gai?
Just behind Hanazono Shrine lies Golden Gai, one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric nightlife areas.
Over 200 small bars line its narrow alleys, each with its own unique décor and loyal regulars.
Writers, film directors, and actors once gathered here, and many of the bars still retain that creative, bohemian air.
Although it was once considered a bit intimidating, Golden Gai has recently seen a surge of foreign visitors and become more welcoming.
It’s now considered a living piece of Shinjuku’s night culture.
In Closing: A Special Sunday Morning in Shinjuku
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo—and especially to Shinjuku—take a moment to check your calendar.
If it’s a Sunday, wake up a little early and head to Hanazono Shrine.
A quiet walk through the grounds offers a glimpse of Tokyo’s other side—its calmness, its layers of tradition.
And who knows—you might find a small antique bowl or a vintage camera that once belonged to someone’s cherished collection.
It’s the kind of Sunday morning that might stay with you long after your trip, a small memory of Tokyo’s quiet charm and timeless treasures.
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