About Oyama Shrine

History of
Oyama Shrine

Before the Founding of Oyama Shrine

Shortly after the death of the first lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Toshiie, on April 27, 1599, the second lord, Toshinaga, wished to build a shrine to deify his father. However, since Toshiie had been a close ally of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Toshinaga had to be waShortly after the death of Lord Toshiie Maeda on April 27, 1599, his son, the second lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Toshinaga, wished to build a shrine in his honor.
However, because Toshiie had been a close ally of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Toshinaga was cautious of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Using the relocation of Ebisaka Hachiman Shrine from Takaoka and Sakakiba Shinmei-gu Shrine from Himi as a formal reason, he built Utatsu Hachiman Shrine at the foot of Mt. Utatsu and quietly began enshrining Lord Toshiie there.
From that time onward, the Maeda family continued to deeply honor Lord Toshiie at the shrine.ry of the eyes of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Under the pretext of moving the Ebisu-zaka Hachiman Shrine (from Takaoka) and the Sakaba Shinmei-gu Shrine (from Himi) to Kanazawa, he built the Utatsuyama Hachiman Shrine at the foot of Mt. Utatsu. There, he secretly began enshrining Toshiie. From then on, the Maeda family maintained a deep and pious devotion to the shrine.

Just Before the Founding of Oyama Shrine

In 1866, leadership of the Kaga Domain passed from the 13th lord, Maeda Nariyasu, to the 14th lord, Maeda Yoshiyasu. The Kanaya Palace, which had served as part of Kanazawa Castle, became the residence of the retired Lord Nariyasu.
However, after the abolition of the feudal domain system in 1871, Lord Yoshiyasu moved to Tokyo, followed later by Lord Nariyasu. As a result, the Kanaya Palace was left without its owners.

The Founding of Oyama Shrine

After the feudal era came to an end, the Maeda family moved to Tokyo, and the Kanaya Palace was left empty.
Wanting to continue honoring Lord Toshiie Maeda, local people and former samurai of the Kaga Domain began working to build a new shrine on the former palace grounds.
They asked the prefectural government for permission to move Lord Toshiie from Utatsuyama Hachiman Shrine, where he had long been enshrined, and rebuild the shrine at the Kanaya Palace site.
Their request was approved, and on November 16, 1873, Oyama Shrine was founded using some materials from the former Kanaya Palace. Lord Maeda Toshiie was transferred here and enshrined as the main deity.
Two years later, on November 25, 1875, the iconic Sacred Gate was completed. Built with the hope that its beauty would naturally inspire people to visit and worship, the gate is a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles, created using the most advanced technology of the early Meiji era.

Oyama Shrine Today

The prosperity of present-day Kanazawa, known as “Kaga Hyakumangoku” (“The Million goku of Kaga”), is said to have begun when Lord Toshiie Maeda entered Kanazawa Castle.
Under the leadership of the 2nd Lord, Toshinaga Maeda, and the 3rd lord Toshitsune Maeda, the Kaga Domain grew into one of the largest domains in Japan, reaching 1.2 million koku. In the years that followed, the Maeda family played an important role in shaping and supporting many aspects of Kanazawa, including its town planning, politics, economy, industry, education, culture, and traditional arts.
Although Oyama Shrine has a relatively short history, it was founded during the turbulent early Meiji period through the extraordinary passion and dedication of local people. Today, unique early Meiji-era structures still remain, including the iconic Sacred Gate and the rare red-brick sacred wall.
The shrine enshrines Lord Toshiie Maeda, Lady O-Matsu, and successive lords of the Maeda family, who helped shape the foundation of modern Kanazawa. Through festivals such as the Hyakumangoku Festival, Oyama Shrine continues to represent the deep connection between the Maeda family and the city of Kanazawa.
For many local people, the shrine is also a spiritual home and a symbol of Kanazawa’s spirit. Respecting tradition while welcoming new ideas.

Historical Timeline

1. June 21, 1582
  
  The Honno-ji Incident: Death of Oda Nobunaga.
2. June 14, 1583
  
  Lord Toshiie Maeda enters Kanazawa Castle.
1. September 18, 1598
  
  Death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
2. April 27, 1599
  
  Death of Lord Toshiie Maeda *The 2nd lord, Maeda Toshinaga, secretly enshrines Toshiie at Utatsu Hachiman Shrine.
1. 1866
  
  Leadership of the Kaga Domain passes from the 13th lord, Maeda Nariyasu, to the 14th lord, Maeda Yoshiyasu *The Kanaya Palace, once part of Kanazawa Castle, becomes the residence of the retired Lord Nariyasu.
1. June 1869
  
  Return of lands and people to the Emperor (Hanseki Hōkan) *Maeda Yoshiyasu becomes the governor of the Kaga Domain following the end of the feudal lord system.
2. July 1871
  
  Abolition of the feudal domains and establishment of prefectures.
3. August 1871
  
  The 14th Lord Yoshiyasu Maeda, moves to Tokyo.
4. September 1871
  
  The 13th Lord Nariyasu Maeda, moves to Tokyo.
5. November 16, 1873
  
  Founding of Oyama Shrine.
  Lord Toshiie Maeda is transferred and enshrined as the main deity.
6. November 25, 1875
  
  Completion of the Sacred Gate
7. June 14, 1877
  
  The Hokoku Festival is held for the first time in honor of Lord Toshiie Maeda.
  The festival later becomes an annual tradition.
8. 1879
  
  The Maeda Family Ancestral Shrine (now Kanaya Shrine) is founded) *Today, the shrine enshrines the successive heads of the Maeda family from the 2nd Lord to the 17th generation.
9. April 26, 1902
  
  Oyama Shrine is designated as a Special Government Supported Shrine.
1. June 14, 1923
  
  The Hōkoku Festival is held as the first Kanazawa City Festival
1. May 13, 1935
  
  The Sacred Gate is designated as a National Treasure.
2. June 14, 1946
  
  The shrine ranking system is abolished, and the Kanazawa City Festival comes to an end Oyama Festival is held in its place.
3. 1950
  
  Under the revised Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, the Sacred Gate is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan
4. June 14, 1958
  
  The Oyama Festival and the Commerce Festival are combined to create the Hyakumangoku Festival, which continues to this day.
5. October 1973
  
  The 100th Anniversary Grand Festival of Oyama Shrine is held.
1. September 27, 1998
  
  Ahead of the 400th anniversary of Lord Toshiie Maeda's death the following year, his wife, Lady O-Matsu, is enshrined together with him in the Main Sanctuary.
  The shrine’s main deities become Lord Toshiie and Lady OMatsu.
2. March 14, 2015
  
  The Hokuriku Shinkansen begins service between Nagano and Kanazawa.
1. October 2023
  
  The 150th Anniversary Grand Festival of Oyama Shrine is held.
2. March 16, 2024
  
  The Hokuriku Shinkansen begins service between Kanazawa and Tsuruga

About
Lord Toshiie Maeda

The Warrior Who Laid the Foundations of Kaga’s Prosperity.

Toshiie Maeda was a samurai lord who played an active role during the Sengoku and Azuchi–Momoyama periods, and became the first lord of the Kaga Maeda Domain.
Serving under Oda Nobunaga, he earned fame for his bravery in battle and became known as “Mataza of the Spear.” After Nobunaga’s death, he served Toyotomi Hideyoshi and rose to become one of the most powerful feudal lords in Japan, ruling Kaga, Noto, and Etchū.
Beyond his military achievements, Toshiie also helped lay the cultural and economic foundations of Kaga, leading to the prosperity later known as “Kaga Hyakumangoku” the great wealth and flourishing culture of the Kaga Domain.
Oyama Shrine honors his legacy by enshrining Lord Toshiie as its principal deity.

About Lady Omatsu

The Mother of Kaga — Supporting Lord Toshiie and Protecting the Maeda Clan

The shrine enshrines Lord Toshiie Maeda, Lady Omatsu, and successive lords of the Maeda family, who helped shape the foundation of modern Kanazawa. Through festivals such as the Hyakumangoku Festival, Oyama Shrine continues to represent the deep connection between the Maeda family and the city of Kanazawa.

Sacred Treasures

[Armor]

Worn by Lord Toshiie
Passed Down from Utatsu Hachimangu

This iron armor is engraved with the characters “Tenmangu” on the front, alongside motifs of plum blossoms and pine trees, with the name “Maeda Matazaemon Toshiie” inscribed on the side.
Four musket ball marks still remain clearly visible, offering a vivid glimpse into the battles of the Sengoku period.
[Helmets]

Worn by Lord Toshiie
Passed Down from Utatsu Hachimangu

Lord Toshiie is said to have worn this helmet in battle, winning victory after victory and steadily expanding his domain.
[Swords] National Important Cultural Property

Donated by the 15th Lord of the Maeda Family
［Long Sword］Crafted by Mitsutada of Bizen Province, with a vermilion lacquered scabbard decorated with clouds and dragons in gold maki-e (Momoyama period)
［Wakizashi (Short Sword)］Crafted by Hidekage of Bizen Province, with a vermilion lacquered scabbard decorated with clouds and dragons in gold maki-e (Momoyama period)

These paired long and short swords are said to have been used by Lord Toshiie Maeda when he first gained renown at the Battle of Okehazama. Thereafter, he treasured them as his personal protective swords and kept them close at hand throughout his life.
[Saddle and Stirrups]

Donated by Maeda Yoshiyasu, the 14th Lord of the Kaga Domain

Created in Manji 3 (1660), this saddle and stirrups are believed to have been made by an artisan named Kitagawa, though little is known about him.
Decorated with the Maeda family crest on a nashiji lacquer finish, they are thought to have been used for hunting and long rides rather than for battle.
[Noh Masks] Kanazawa City Designated Cultural Property

Donated by the 15th Lord of the Maeda Family

The successive lords of the Kaga Domain greatly valued Noh theater and helped it flourish throughout the region.
Their support became so influential that the term “Kaga Hosho” came to be widely known.
Oyama Shrine preserves more than twenty Noh masks donated by Lord Toshinari Maeda.
[Noh Mask]

Akujo (Awabuki Mask)

The Akujo is a Noh mask known for its mysterious and powerful appearance. It is said to have been recovered from the sea off Noto during the Kan’ei era.
According to legend, strange events followed, including the mask appearing to chant on its own and foam at the mouth. It was later donated to Oyama Shrine through the Maeda family.
Even today, there is a belief that taking the mask outside causes sudden changes in the weather. For this reason, it has never been publicly displayed and is kept sealed in a paulownia box.