Oyama Shrine

Oyama Shrine in central Kanazawa is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the founding lord of the domain that made the city one of Japan's wealthiest during the Edo era. It is best known for an unusual gate completed in the 1870s, which blends Japanese, Chinese, and European elements and is crowned by a stained-glass window that once served as a beacon for ships. Behind the shrine lies a tranquil garden with a pond and stone bridges arranged to represent musical instruments. The eclectic architecture makes it one of the city's distinctive landmarks.