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Check out the “Gate of God”, an important cultural heritage.
Built in 1873 by individuals from the former Kaga domain, this shrine worships the Kaga domain, and Lord Toshiie Maeda. It is well known for the “Kami-Mon” (Gate of God) created with various architectural styles from around the world. At the very top, is a piece of glass that reflects the light of a sacred lantern to the town of Kanazawa. It also acted as a lighthouse for ships traveling through the Japan Sea.
Going through the gates, one can witness the Main Pavilion, built in an Irimoya architectural style. In each room, there is a highly saturated drawing of Udonge flowers, and Ranma’s sculpted with flower designs. At the end of the pavilion, one can enter a Nagare-Zukuri style pavilion. To the right, is a uniquely designed brick fence with another tree design.
Inside the shrine grounds, a beautiful garden shaped like ancient instruments can be found. This pays tribute to the first lord, Toshinaga Maeda, to the 17th, Seishitsu (worshiped in the Kanaya Shrine). The East Kami-Mon brought from the old Kanazawa castle. One can also view the statues of Lord Toshinaga Maeda, and his wife, Matsu Maeda.
The Kami-Mon, known for its uniqueness.
Praying pavilion created in an Irimoya style.
Statue of Toshinaga Maeda. Image provided by Kanazawa City
Statue of Matsu Maeda. Image provided by Kanazawa City
The gate lights up. Image provided by Kanazawa City
Some reviews are AI-translated.
I made a special trip to Oyama Shrine this time to fulfill a vow. The day before, I had briefly lost my wallet. There were two police stations nearby, and one happened to be close to Oyama Shrine, so I decided to report it there and visit the shrine afterward. As it turned out, I actually got my wallet back at that police station, so I wanted to make time the next day, no matter what, to return and thank the deity.
Oyama Shrine itself was also more worth exploring than I expected. Its most famous feature is, of course, the gate at the entrance, which blends Japanese, Chinese, and Western styles. The top level is fitted with stained glass, and the roof even retains the oldest existing lightning rod in Japan, making it one of Kanazawa's most iconic landmarks. On the other side of the grounds, the East Gate was originally the Chinese-style gate of the Ninomaru Palace at Kanazawa Castle and was later relocated here. From the rear of the shrine, you can also connect to Kanazawa Castle via the Nezumitamon Bridge area, so it works well to visit both attractions together.
I also really liked the garden on the shrine grounds. It's a pond-centered strolling garden, with islands designed in the shapes of gagaku instruments. You can also spot some frog-shaped decorations and details nearby, which add a touch of cuteness to the solemn shrine.
I originally came back specifically to fulfill my vow after finding my wallet, but after walking around, I realized that Oyama Shrine itself has a lot of distinctive features. It really is an attraction with a character that's uniquely Kanazawa.
Oyama Shrine is a very distinctive attraction in Kanazawa, dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga Domain, and his wife, Matsu. What drew me most was its unique Shinmon Gate, which blends Japanese, Chinese, and Western styles. The stained glass at the top is especially beautiful in the sunlight, and it looks different from every angle. The shrine grounds are also perfect for a leisurely walk while admiring the gardens and architectural details. Besides Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District, Oyama Shrine is also well worth adding to your Kanazawa itinerary. After it's illuminated at night, the atmosphere is completely different!
This shrine mixes Japanese and Western styles, which makes it really different from the typical shrines you usually see in Japan.
