Oyama Shrine

Overview

Oyama Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is one of the shrines dedicated to a domain founder that became widespread from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period. Its principal deities are Maeda Toshiie, the founding lord of the Kaga Domain, and his wife Hoshun-in (Matsu). The main gate is designated an Important Cultural Property.

Highlights

• ●It enshrines Maeda Toshiie, founding lord of the Kaga Domain, and his wife Hoshun-in (Matsu) as principal deities
• ●It has a main gate designated an Important Cultural Property
• ●It was established in 1599 to enshrine Maeda Toshiie at Utatsu-yama east of Kanazawa
• ●It was moved to its present location in 1873 and renamed Oyama Shrine

History

The shrine was established in 1599, enshrining Maeda Toshiie at Utatsu-yama east of Kanazawa. In 1873 it was moved to its present location and renamed Oyama Shrine, and the main gate was constructed in 1875. The gate combines traditional Japanese, Chinese and European architectural elements and, including its lightning rod, stands 25 meters high; its third floor is noted for Dutch stained-glass windows and is said to have also served as a lighthouse. The gate was designated an Important Cultural Property on 13 May 1935.

Map

36.5664, 136.6553 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head to Oyama Shrine from central Kanazawa
2. 2View the main gate designated an Important Cultural Property
3. 3Pay respects at the hall enshrining Maeda Toshiie and Hoshun-in
4. 4Take a stroll through the surrounding streets of Kanazawa as well

Did you know?

💡 The gate is 25 meters high including its lightning rod, and its third floor is noted for Dutch stained-glass windows.

Nearby spots