Orders

Oyama Shrine

Name: Oyama Shrine
Address: 11-1 Oyamamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0918, Japan
Rating: 4.3

4.3 (200)・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Oyama Shrine in Kanazawa is an architectural marvel that seamlessly blends Japanese, Chinese, and European design elements. This unique shrine was initially dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga Domain. Its most distinctive feature is the striking gate, designed by a Dutch architect, which showcases a blend of Eastern and Western styles with its stained glass and traditional Shinto structure.

The shrine grounds are a peaceful retreat filled with lush gardens and tranquil ponds. Visitors are often struck by the beauty of the surroundings, which change with the seasons, offering vibrant cherry blossoms in spring and rich autumn colors. The history of Oyama Shrine is deeply connected to the Maeda family, who played a significant role in the development of Kanazawa as a cultural hub during the Edo period.

Exploring Oyama Shrine is more than a visit; it's an experience that invites reflection on the fusion of cultures and the importance of preserving history.

Hours:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome.

Fees:

Free

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 76-231-7210

Website

www.oyama-jinja.or.jp

The area

Address

11-1 Oyamamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0918, Japan

Top ways to experience Oyama Shrine

4hrs

Kanazawa Half-Day Private Walking Tour With a Local Guide

From $195 /person

8hrs

Kanazawa Full-Day Private Walking Tour With a Local Guide

From $359 /person

approx. 7-21 days

Ultimate JR Pass – Travel All of Japan Freely

From $208 /person

What other travelers are saying about Oyama Shrine

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.

Ziyuan Wei

Mar 7, 2025

Get yourself a piece of serenity. Oyama Shrine offers more variety than most shrines. Starting with a beautiful entrance gate that combines Japanese, Chinese and Western styles. The temple grounds are relatively large and can accommodate many guests. Next to the main building is a garden area with a lake and a walkway through a wooded area where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. There is an exit at the back of the shrine that leads directly to Kanazawa Castle and the beautiful gardens.

Oleg Boleg

Dec 15, 2024

April 13th, 2023: A beautiful shrine you should stop and observe as you walk towards Kanazawa Castle and garden. Climb the stairs, observe the shrine, feel the calm, hang out at the water garden area for a bit, reflect on life. Most importantly enjoy the moment. There's also a pretty cool statue with three frogs. I enjoyed my walk through this majestic place.

Laurent B

Feb 17, 2025

Oyama Shrine is an absolutely enchanting spot to visit in Kanazawa! The serene atmosphere, stunning architecture, and rich history make it a must-see destination. The unique blend of Japanese and Western styles in the shrine's gate is particularly fascinating. The lush gardens and tranquil pond provide a perfect setting for a peaceful stroll. The staff are friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall positive experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the cultural heritage of Kanazawa!

Annie Sobol

Feb 27, 2025

Beautiful and peaceful spot to visit. We stumbled upon it while walking back from the Kenroku-en garden and I’m glad we walked in to explore. There is a nice pond with stepping stones and small bridges you can walk on, which was very fun!