Ozaki Shrine

Ozaki Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary north of Kanazawa Castle Park with distinctive red entrance gates and a central building surrounded by Japanese gardens featuring a pond and bridge. The complex displays traditional architectural elements from the early Edo period and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

The shrine was founded in 1643 by Maeda Mitsutaka, the fourth lord of Kaga Domain, within the castle grounds to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu. The structure preserves design features from that early Edo period, testament to the ruling lineage of that time.

The shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, reflecting the connection between local rulers and central authority. Visitors can observe how religious worship and political loyalty were intertwined during the Edo period.

The site is open daily at no cost, with parking spaces available on-site and signs explaining ritual procedures. Some signage is in English, helping visitors understand the customs and rules of the place.

The main building retains rare architectural details from the early Edo period in their original form. These features make it a valuable example of shrine construction from that era, often overlooked by casual visitors.