Discover a striking fusion of history and global architecture at Oyama Shrine (尾山神社), one of the most unique Shinto shrines in Japan. Located on the other end of Nezumita-mon Bridge (鼠多門橋), this shrine is dedicated to the legendary samurai Maeda Toshiie and his wife, Omatsu, the founders of the powerful Kaga Domain. Its most iconic feature is the Shinmon Gate. This extraordinary three-story structure defies tradition by blending Japanese, Chinese, and European styles, complete with vibrant Dutch stained-glass windows and Japan’s oldest surviving lightning rod. Beyond the gate, you will find a serene “Garden of Musical Instruments,” where ponds and bridges are meticulously designed to resemble ancient lutes and harps. Perfectly situated opposite Kanazawa Castle‘s Nezumita-mon Gate (鼠多門), Oyama Jinja Shrine is a must-visit in Kanazawa for those seeking a photogenic and spiritual bridge between Japan’s feudal past and its early modern innovations.
About Oyama Shrine
Oyama Jinja was first built in 1599 at Mt. Utatsu (卯辰山) by Maeda Toshinaga (前田 利長), dedicated to his father, the first lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Toshiie (前田 利家).
After the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1873 and the relocation of the shrine, locals raised the funds to build this gate to preserve the spirit of the Maeda clan.
The first and second stories are in Chinese and Japanese styles, respectively. The highlight is at the top level. It is beautifully decorated with the Dutch stained-glass windows. Together with Japan’s oldest lightning rod, it is now designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Moreover, be sure to visit Oyama Shrine after sunset! The stained glass in the gate is lit from within until 10 pm, creating a magical, church-like glow that is incredibly rare for a Japanese shrine.
You can refer to the shrine’s website for a Japanese version map HERE.
The Must-Sees at Oyama Jinja Shrine
On the wooden carving attached to the gate’s ceiling and walls, you will see many plum blossom flowers representing the Maeda family. In fact, the plum blossoms are commonly used to decorate the buildings in the precinct. Furthermore, most of the sculptures and decorations in the shrine’s precinct are also deeply connected to Maeda Toshiie, including a stone sculpture of Toshiie on horseback, spear in hand (see the 6th photo in the IG post).
In front of the main worship hall, this golden thing in the photo might catch your attention.
It is the type of hat that Maeda Toshiie wore. As a side note, the color of the hat on his head when he was alive wasn’t golden. The color is just representing Kanazawa’s gold leaf industry (´▽｀*).
If you ever wondered why the shrine has two gates, the torii, and the unique tower-like gate, it is because that stone torii gate was originally in front of the Kanazawa Castle. It was only moved to the shrine after the completion of the tower-like gate.
There is another smaller shrine called Kanaya Shrine (金谷神社) in Oyama Shrine. Where Kanaya Shrine is located is where the Maeda family’s residence used to be. It is where the 3rd to the 17th lord of the Maeda clan and their wives are enshrined.
Oyama Jinja Shrine’s Garden: The Garden of Musical Instruments (楽器の庭),
Another must-see at Oyama Shrine is its garden. Nicknamed the Garden of Musical Instruments, the garden was built in the form of several traditional instruments, such as the zither and the reed pipe. Whilst it might be hard to picture those instruments that the bridges or small islands try to mimic, it is a gorgeous garden to relax in.
The Magical Higashi-Shinmon Gate
The last thing that we want to introduce is the gate called Higashi-Shinmon (東神門), which used to be in the second quarter (二の丸) of Kanazawa Castle.
Kanazawa Castle was prone to frequent fires. The reason this gate magically managed to escape all the disasters is said to be that the two dragons carved on the gate called for water to protect it! Whether true or not, this gate was moved to Oyama Shrine in 1963 and is now designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
How to Get to Oyama Shrine
Oyama Shrine is a 3-minute walk from the bus stop – Minamimachi Oyama Jinja (南町・尾山神社).
For more information about bus services in Kanazawa, please refer to our How to Get Around Kanazawa article.
Discover Other Fascinating Attractions in Kanazawa City
Step into a world where samurai legacy and modern artistry collide with our guide to Kanazawa (金沢), Japan’s “Little Kyoto.” Whether you are wandering the perfectly preserved wooden teahouses of the Higashi Chaya geisha district or admiring the circular architecture of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa offers a deep dive into Edo-period culture without the overwhelming crowds of larger cities.
Refer to our Kanazawa article for information about our recommended spots in Kanazawa, including where to meet the Geishas and an amazing art museum!
