Oyama Shrine

Last time, I walked from the Kuromon entrance of Kanazawa Castle Park to Oyama Shrine in the falling snow. Even so, I still had not seen everything. With that lingering feeling, the day quietly came to an end.

Inside the shrine's amulet hall, I found character‑themed charms, including Hello Kitty. The hall itself was spacious, lined with many kinds of omamori, creating a warm and gentle atmosphere. And so, that day's journey came to a close.

I heard that even more snow would fall overnight. I wondered what tomorrow would bring.

The next morning. The sky was cloudy. Snow was expected again. Looking outside, the world had already turned white. All I could do was go. With that thought, I put on my snow shoes once more and decided to take the bus first.

I headed toward Kanazawa Station. Above the Tsuzumi Gate, a patch of blue sky appeared just at that moment. Still, the forecast called for snowfall throughout the day. It would likely snow on and off. My snow shoes sank firmly into the fresh snow, unlike the slush of the previous day. The wind was gentler than yesterday, which brought a small sense of relief. The Tsuzumi Gate rising into the blue sky looked beautiful.

Inside Kanazawa Station, people were already moving with purpose despite the early hour. Perhaps because of the cold outside, the station felt warm and comforting. Everyone had their own destination and their own way of getting there. Thinking about that, I wondered if there were other travelers like me among them. With that thought, I stepped outside again and headed to the bus stop.

The bus stopped at a stop called Oyama Shrine‑mae. I had not known there was a stop that went directly there. Walking through the snow, I found myself in an area with wide streets and an office‑district atmosphere. The shrine is near Korinbo, Musashigatsuji, Minamimachi, and Hirosaka—close to Kanazawa's central business and commercial district. I almost lost my way for a moment, but managed to arrive safely. Traveling in unfamiliar places can be unsettling at times. And then, beyond the buildings, Oyama Shrine appeared quietly, as if emerging from behind the city.

Since I had visited in the late afternoon the previous day, I decided to come for a morning visit this time. Beyond the torii, snow‑covered steps led up toward the shrine. The plaque on the torii read “Oyama Shrine.” The scenery was different from yesterday—quiet, elegant, and beautiful. Beneath the giyaman glass windows of the upper tower stood the brick‑built triple‑arch gate. A blend of Japanese and Western styles. It truly embodied that harmony. Snow began to fall lightly, but I was able to complete my morning visit without trouble. I felt a small sense of relief.

Next, I continued my walk through Kanazawa Castle Park. Crossing the Nezumitamon Bridge, I headed toward Nezumitamon. My final destination for the day was Kenrokuen Garden. When I paid the admission fee at the entrance of Hishiyagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizume‑mon Tsuzuki Yagura, and Hashizume‑mon, I purchased a combined ticket that included entry to Kenrokuen. It looked like another long day of walking. This time, the entire route would be covered in snow.

Ah. The snow seems to be falling harder now. I wonder how things will turn out this time.