Located at the entrance of places of worship, these lion and dog statues are emblematic of the Japanese landscape. They are found not only in Buddhist temples but also in some Shinto shrines to protect the deity that welcomes them. Their mission is to ward off evil spirits and thus preserve the tranquility of the place they protect.
The Hanazono Shrine (花園神社, Hanazono Jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. This shrine was founded in the mid-17th century. Nestled in the heart of Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward, Hanazono Jinja is a small and unobtrusive structure that, according to Fodor’s, just happens to be one of the most historical shrines in Japan. Constructed in the Edo period by the Hanazono family, this Inari shrine—a shrine dedicated to Inari, the androgynous god of fertility and worldly success—is a favorite place for businessmen to pray for successful ventures.
Photo Taken: April 01, 2024
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