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.
