2025.04.13

The power of fortune that springs up with the fountain ~ Kanazawa Shrine

vibration

Kanazawa Shrine is a shrine located in a corner of Kenrokuen, a garden that represents Japan in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It has a deep history, and is known as a shrine that bestows a wide range of benefits, including Sugawara Michishinko, the god of learning, the White Snake Dragon God, who is worshipped as the god of money and protection from disasters, the Shiraashi Inari Daimyojin, the god of prosperous business, the Kotohira Ōkami, the god of traffic safety, and the lords of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Saihiro and Maeda Saiyasu.

Article Contents

The guardian deity of Kenrokuen, where history and faith are alive
- The origin of Kanazawa, the birth of Kinjo Reizawa and Kanazawa Shrine

The guardian deity of Kenrokuen, where history and faith are alive

The origin of Kanazawa, the birth of Kinjo Reizawa and Kanazawa Shrine

The place where Kanazawa Shrine was founded is on the banks of Kinjo Reizawa, which is said to be the origin of the place name Kanazawa. There is a legend that a long time ago, a man named Fujigoro Potato Digger washed potatoes with this spring water, and gold dust gushed out. It is said that from this event, it came to be called "Kinwashi no Sawa", which in turn became the place name "Kanazawa". At present, Kinjo Reizawa is worshipped by many people as a power spot for good luck.

The spring water of Kinjo Reizawa has been revered as a sacred place since ancient times. In the 6th year of Kansei (1794), when Harunaga Maeda, the 11th lord of Kaga Domain, founded the domain school Meirindo in Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Shrine was established as a shrine to protect the domain. The clan school was established for the purpose of educating the children of samurai, and education was carried out with an emphasis on "both literary and martial arts". In Kanazawa, a literary school, the "Domain School Meirindo", and a military school, the "Kyobukan", were established.

Kanazawa Shrine has played an important role as a place to pray for the study of the students of the clan school and as a place to pray for the well-being of the entire domain. In particular, Sugawara Michishinko, one of the pillars of the shrine deity, was known as the god of learning and was revered by many people, including feudal lords, because he was the ancestor of the Maeda family.

The mysterious existence that protects the white snake dragon god Kanazawa

Of particular note at Kanazawa Shrine is the White Snake Dragon God, which is enshrined as a shrine. The White Snake Dragon God is a white fire serpent with two male and female, and is revered as the god of fire, water, and protection from calamities, as well as good luck and prosperity in business.

According to Chinese literature, the White Fire Snake is a legendary snake that appears once every thousand years in the depths of mainland China, and is said to be "a beacon of good fortune to humans." It is said that it played a role in predicting the bountiful harvest of five grains and natural disasters, and informing people of dangers. It is said that this white fire snake was transmitted from China to the Sun Shrine in Izumo, and then to Kanazawa.

According to legend, one of the White Snake Dragon Gods was housed in Kanazawa Shrine, and the other was kept in Kanazawa Castle. Kanazawa Castle has been a place that symbolizes the prosperity of Kaga Million Stones since it was the residence of Maeda Toshiie, the ancestor of the Kaga Domain. The fact that the White Snake Dragon God was enshrined in the castle shows that the feudal lord and other people had a strong desire for his protection.

After the war, the White Snake Dragon God, which was housed in Kanazawa Castle, was also enshrined in Kanazawa Shrine, and now both are enshrined in the main shrine. The fact that the city of Kanazawa has escaped numerous wars and still retains the appearance of its beautiful castle town may be due to the blessing of the White Snake Dragon God.

Kanazawa Shrine precincts, power spots and the breath of history

Within the precincts of Kanazawa Shrine, there are power spots such as Kinjo Reizawa and Mt. Phoenix. As mentioned above, Kinjo Reizawa is the place where the name of Kanazawa is derived, and many people visit it to wish for good luck. The ceiling of Reizawa depicts a dragon god who is said to live in a spring, and his mysterious appearance fascinates visitors.

Behind Kinjo Reizawa is a small mountain called Phoenix Mountain. This mountain is made by collecting various strange stones (power stones) and making it in the shape of a phoenix, and there is a cave inside. Its appearance is like that of an ancient burial mound, creating an atmosphere of ancient mystery. It is said that you can feel the power of rising fortune from Mt. Phoenix, and it is a must-stop spot when visiting Kanazawa Shrine.

In addition, in the precincts, whenever there is a celebration for the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain, there is a votive Inari torii gate that is dedicated to it. These torii gates are a vivid shade of vermilion and brighten the precincts of the shrine. The number of torii gates also suggests that the Maeda family had a deep belief in Kanazawa Shrine.

Harmony with Kenrokuen, a landscape woven by history and nature

Kanazawa Shrine is located in Kenrokuen, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. Kenrokuen Garden is a representative daimyo garden of the Edo period, and its beautiful scenery attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad. The precincts of Kanazawa Shrine are in harmony with the lush nature of Kenrokuen, creating a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Kenrokuen Garden is a garden where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons, and each season shows a different expression, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter. When you visit Kanazawa Shrine, you can also enjoy a walk around Kenrokuen Garden, so you can spend an even more enriching time.

Visiting Kanazawa Shrine and seeking benefits and peace of mind

Kanazawa Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michishinko, the god of learning, and is deeply worshipped by students and their families who wish for academic achievement. Many people visit the shrine to pray for passing exams and improving their academic skills. In addition, the White Snake Dragon God is known as the god of good luck and protection from calamities, and is also revered by people who wish for prosperity in business and safety in the family.

Kanazawa Shrine is also a place where worshippers can find peace of mind. The precincts of the shrine have a quiet and calm atmosphere, where you can forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend a quiet time. In addition, by visiting power spots such as Kinjo Reizawa and Phoenix Mountain, you will be able to refresh your mind and body.

Summary of Kanazawa Shrine, a power spot where history and faith come alive

Kanazawa Shrine was founded on the banks of Kinjo Reizawa, the origin of the place name of Kanazawa, and is a shrine steeped in history and faith, enshrining Sugawara Michishinko, the god of learning, the White Snake Ryujin, the god of good luck and protection from disasters, the Shiraashi Inari Daimyojin, the god of prosperous business, the god of traffic safety, Kotohira Okami, and the lords of the Kaga Domain, Prince Saihiro Maeda and Prince Saiyasu Maeda.

Located in Kenrokuen, the precincts are in harmony with its beautiful nature and give visitors peace of mind. Power spots such as Kinjo Lingze and Phoenix Mountain have become special places for people who wish for good luck and good luck.

When you visit Kanazawa, why not visit Kanazawa Shrine, experience its history and beliefs, and receive benefits? It's going to be a great experience to remember.

Points to consider when visiting Kanazawa Shrine

Let's pray for good luck at Kinjo Reizawa by dipping your hands in the spring water of Reizawa and offering money.
Let's enter the power charge cave at Phoenix Mountain, touch the Power Stone, and charge the energy.
Pray to the White Snake Dragon God for protection from calamities・Greet the White Snake Dragon God at the main shrine and pray for fire, water, and calamity.
Enjoy a walk with Kenrokuen Garden・ Let's refresh your mind and body while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the four seasons.
Collect the red seals of Kanazawa Shrine are recommended as a commemoration of your visit.

Kanazawa Shrine is a power spot steeped in history and faith, and it is a place that gives visitors various benefits and peace of mind. Please come and visit us.

I want to read it together