What other travelers are saying about Oyama Shrine
This shrine has a unique western influenced architecture which is easily seen from the outside. The inside of the shrine is spacious and there's a garden and pond behind it which has really nice scenery for photos. It was drizzling when we visited and the vibes are kinda chill and calming.
Decent shrine. You can walk past it to get to Osaka castle. Pretty laid back area. Not full of tourist so you can get some decent photos during the day. What I liked most is that it’s fully accessible at night as you can get some sweet photos unless you have a Nokia or are one of those cool alternative people with film. But I would still recommend it if you are one of them.
Oyama Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Maeda Toshiie (1537–1599), the first lord of the Kaga Domain, and his wife, Maeda Matsu (1547–1617). The shrine was originally established in 1599 on Mount Utatsu and was relocated to its current location in 1873.
One of the shrine's most distinctive features is its main gate, completed in 1875. This three-story gate uniquely combines Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural elements. The third floor features Dutch-style stained glass windows, and it is said that the gate once functioned as a lighthouse. In 1935, the gate was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The shrine grounds include a strolling garden designed in the shape of traditional musical instruments, such as the biwa (Japanese lute). The garden features a pond with islands and bridges, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors.
Oyama Shrine is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and admission is free.
Got special feeling when I walk in an ancient temple and shrine, here is the one. Combined western and eastern elements, the pathway to the shrine is so nice, and we met two little fur friends there.
Located near the centre of Kanazawa, the shrine is by no means a world beater, but it's still a really nice place to visit if you're in the vicinity. The shrine's unique entrance is an interesting case study on the impacts of European influence on Japanese architecture near the start of the last century.
That aside, the temple also boasts spacious grounds and relatively ornate architecture that oozes a sense of calm and serenity. There's also a small gift shop within the grounds where you'll be able to buy some good luck charms for a reasonable price.
Oyama Shrine is dedicated to the powerful Maeda clan, who ruled over the Kaga domain during the Edo period, making it a symbol of Kanazawa's rich history and culture.
Oyama Shrine features a mix of Shinto and Buddhist architectural styles, reflecting the syncretism of religious practices in Japan.
Yes, Oyama Shrine hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the vibrant Hyakumangoku Matsuri, which celebrates the legacy of the Maeda clan.
Yes, visitors are welcome to participate in rituals such as offering prayers, purchasing omamori (amulets), and making donations at the shrine.
The shrine's colorful main gate, called the Ishi-no-mon, and the towering pagoda are among its most distinctive features.
