Oyama Shrine

Oyama Shrine was established in 1599 to enshrine Lord Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga Domain and one of the most powerful daimyo of the Sengoku period. Toshiie was a close ally of both Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and his domain encompassed much of present-day Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures, becoming the wealthiest domain in Japan after the Tokugawa shogunate itself.

The shrine was originally built at a different location and moved to its present site in 1873 during the Meiji period. Its most distinctive feature, the three-story Shinmon gate, was built in 1875 in a remarkably eclectic style blending Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural elements.

The Shinmon (sacred gate) is the shrine's most famous feature and a symbol of Kanazawa. This extraordinary three-story gate combines Japanese wooden architecture with Dutch stained glass windows and a Chinese-influenced upper story, reflecting Kanazawa's historic openness to diverse cultural influences. It is one of the most unusual shrine gates in Japan.

Behind the shrine, the Gyokusen-inmaru Garden was beautifully restored in 2015, featuring a cascade waterfall and seasonal landscaping. The garden is spectacularly lit up at night. The shrine is located adjacent to Kanazawa Castle Park.

The Hyakumangoku Festival in June is Kanazawa's largest celebration, honoring Maeda Toshiie's entry into the city. The festival features a magnificent samurai procession through the city with participants in historical costumes. The shrine serves as the spiritual center of the festivities, with special ceremonies and performances. Evening lantern processions create a magical atmosphere.