Complete Guide to Ohno Minato Shrine | Kanazawa’s Guiding God with 1300 Years of History
Ohno Minato Shrine, located in Teranaka-cho, Kanazawa City, is a venerable shrine with a history of over 1300 years since its founding in 727 AD (Shinki 4). It enshrines Sarutahiko-no-Okami, known as the “God of Guidance,” and enjoys deep devotion from the local people. This article provides a detailed introduction to Ohno Minato Shrine, including its history, blessings, worship methods, and cultural value.
History and Origins of Ohno Minato Shrine
Origins and Legends of its Founding
The origins of Ohno Minato Shrine date back to the reign of Emperor Shomu, in 727 AD (Shinki 4). According to shrine tradition, a man named Sana from Mutsu Province retrieved the sacred object of Sarutahiko-no-Okami from the sea during a voyage. He then erected a small shrine beside the existing Shinmei Shrine (dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami) in Masagoyama Saoribayashi, Ono-sho (near present-day Kanaiwa-cho), and enshrined the deity there.
It is said that for this achievement, he was granted the divine title of “Sanabu Daimyojin” by the imperial court. After enshrining both Sarutahiko-no-Okami and Amaterasu-Omikami, the shrine became known as “Ono Minato Shrine,” the guardian deity of the port in Ono-go (formerly Miyakoshi and Kanaiwa-cho).
History of Relocation
Initially, Ono Minato Shrine was located in Masagoyama Saoribayashi near the mouth of the Sai River, but it was forced to relocate due to coastal erosion. During the Kenchō era (1249-1256), the shrine was relocated to its current location in Teranaka-machi, Kanazawa City. Since then, the area has been known as “Teranaka no Mori” (Teranaka Forest), and its original vegetation has been relatively well-preserved.
Status as an Engishiki Shrine
Ōno Minato Shrine is a highly prestigious shrine listed in the Engishiki. An Engishiki shrine is one listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō (Engishiki List of Shrines), compiled in the mid-Heian period, indicating a historically significant shrine recognized by the imperial court since ancient times. Only a limited number of shrines in Ishikawa Prefecture hold this status, highlighting the historical importance of Ōno Minato Shrine.
Deities and Benefits
Main Deity: Sarutahiko-no-Ōkami
The main deity of Ōno Minato Shrine is Sarutahiko-no-Ōkami. In Japanese mythology, this deity is known as the god who guided the descent of the heavenly grandchild, and is worshipped as the “god of guidance” and the “god of opening paths.” Many worshippers visit this shrine seeking guidance at crossroads in life and when taking a new step, believing it to lead them in the right direction.
Enshrined Deity: Amaterasu Omikami
Amaterasu Omikami, originally enshrined at this Shinmei Shrine, is also enshrined here. As the supreme deity of Japan, she is believed to bestow a wide range of blessings, including national peace and security, abundant harvests, and family safety.
Main Benefits
The following benefits are believed to be worshipped at Ohno Minato Shrine:
- Good Fortune and Protection from Misfortune: Guided by the “guidance” of Sarutahiko-no-Okami, one is led to the right path in life.
- Traffic Safety: As the god of roads, the shrine protects the safety of all transportation, land, sea, and air.
- Maritime Safety and Navigation: As the guardian deity of the port, prayers are offered for the safety of ships and abundant catches.
- Business Prosperity: Guidance to the right path supports the development of businesses.
- Family Safety and Protection from Misfortune: Safety in all aspects of life and protection from disasters.
- Fulfillment of Good Relationships: Guided to good encounters in life.
Deep Connection with the Maeda Family
Deep Faith from the Lords of the Kaga Domain
Ohno Minato Shrine has received deep faith from successive lords of the Kaga Domain, including Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the domain. Located at a strategic point connecting Kanazawa Castle town and the port, it was highly regarded as a guardian deity of maritime transport.
Construction in 1639
According to the “Kaga-Etchu-Nōji-Shrine History” of 1674, the shrine was constructed in 1639 during the time of Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord of the Kaga Domain. The ridge beam inscription from that time still exists, conveying the deep connection between the Maeda family and the shrine.
Value as a Cultural Property
Shrine Building Designated as an Ishikawa Prefecture Cultural Property
The main hall of Ōno Minato Shrine consists of three shrines: Sanabu Shrine, Hachiman Shrine, and Shinmei Shrine. It was designated as an Ishikawa Prefecture Cultural Property on January 12, 1982. It is a valuable cultural property that preserves the architectural style from its construction in 1639.
The three shrines are built in a row, and while each is an independent structure, the overall arrangement is harmonious. They strongly retain the characteristics of early Edo period shrine architecture and hold significant historical value.
Ohno Minato Shrine Forest
The “Teranaka Forest” surrounding the shrine is designated as a natural monument by Kanazawa City. Since its relocation during the Kenchō era, it has been protected as a sacred area, preserving relatively much of its original vegetation and forming a valuable natural environment in the increasingly urbanized city of Kanazawa.
The forest is covered with evergreen broad-leaved trees such as Castanopsis sieboldii, Machilus thunbergii, and Camellia japonica, providing a habitat for diverse organisms. The forest, nurtured alongside the history of the shrine, holds significant cultural and ecological importance.
Annual Festivals and Noh Performances
Main Annual Festivals
Oono Minato Shrine holds various festivals throughout the year:
- January: New Year’s Day Festival, First Shrine Visit of the Year
- February: Setsubun Festival, Prayer Festival
- May: Spring Grand Festival
- July: Summer Purification Ceremony
- September: Autumn Grand Festival
- November: Niiname-sai Festival, Shichi-Go-San Festival
- December: Year-End Purification Ceremony
Tradition of Noh Performances
Oono Minato Shrine is also famous for its Noh performances. Noh performances are Noh plays performed as offerings to the gods and are held at important shrine festivals. The Noh performances at Ono Minato Shrine have been passed down as a traditional regional art form and are considered part of Kanazawa’s cultural heritage.
Prayers and Sorrows
Types of Prayers
At Ohno Minato Shrine, you can receive prayers tailored to various milestones and wishes in your life:
- Life Rituals: First shrine visit for a newborn, Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3) ceremony, Coming-of-Age Ceremony, 60th Birthday Ceremony, etc.
- Exorcism Prayers: Exorcism for those in their unlucky years, protection from bad directions
- Traffic Safety: Car blessing, prayer for traffic safety
- Family Safety: Prayers for the health and peace of the family
- Business Prosperity: Prayers for the development and prosperity of your business
- Prayers for Success: Prayers for success in exams and qualification tests
- Prayers for Safe Childbirth: Prayers for the health of mother and child and a safe delivery
- Recovery from Illness: Prayers for recovery from illness
Prayer Reception Hours
- Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Notes: Hours may change due to festivals, etc.
- Reservations: We recommend contacting us by phone in advance.
About On-Site Ceremonies
We also conduct on-site ceremonies such as ground-breaking ceremonies, roof-raising ceremonies, completion ceremonies, and new home ceremonies. Please consult with the shrine in advance regarding dates and details.
Shinto Wedding Ceremonies
At Ohno Minato Shrine, you can have a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony. This venerable shrine, with a history of over 1300 years, offers a fitting ceremony for the start of a new life, as you exchange vows before Sarutahiko-no-Okami, the “god of guidance.”
A Shinto wedding ceremony is a traditional Japanese wedding style, conducted in a solemn atmosphere. For details, please contact the shrine directly.
Items Offered and Amulets
Various Amulets
Oono Minato Shrine offers amulets for various wishes:
- Traffic Safety Amulet: Protects the safety of vehicles and ships
- Exorcism Amulet: Wards off misfortune and protects the person
- Good Fortune Amulet: Opens up good fortune and guides one toward a positive direction
- Academic Success Amulet: For academic success and passing exams
- Safe Childbirth Amulet: Protects safe childbirth and the health of mother and child
- Health Amulet: For good health and recovery from illness
Goshuin (Shrine Seal)
You can receive a goshuin as a memento of your visit. The goshuin of Ono Minato Shrine is stamped with the seal of “Engishiki-nai Ono Minato Shrine” and the date of your visit is written in ink. If you have a goshuincho (shrine seal book), please apply at the shrine office.
Shrines under the Shrine’s Concurrent Management
Oono Minato Shrine also manages the following shrines:
Shirahato Shrine
- Location: 93 Muryoji, Kanazawa City
- Deities Enshrined: Emperor Ojin and others
Usa Shrine
- Location: 97 Kitazuka-cho Higashi, Kanazawa City
- Deities Enshrined: Emperor Ojin and others
Inquiries regarding these shrines can also be made at Ono Minato Shrine.
Access and Visiting Information
Basic Information
- Address: 163 Ha, Teranaka-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0348
- Phone: 076-267-0522
- FAX: 076-268-3499
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is open from 9:00 to 17:00)
- Parking: Available (Free)
Transportation Access
Access by Car
- Approximately 15 minutes from Kanazawa Station
- Approximately 10 minutes from Kanazawa-Nishi IC on the Hokuriku Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from central Kanazawa City
Access by Public Transportation
- Approximately 25 minutes by Hokutetsu Bus bound for “Ono” from JR Kanazawa Station
- Approximately 3 minutes on foot from the “Teranaka” bus stop
Nearby Attractions
Around Ohno Minato Shrine, the atmosphere of the port town of Kanaiwa remains, and there are several points of interest:
- Kanaiwa Port: A port that once flourished as a port of call for Kitamae ships.
- Ohno Karakuri Memorial Museum: Showcasing the achievements of Ohno Benkichi, a Karakuri (mechanical device) maker of the Kaga Domain.
- Ohno Soy Sauce Brewery: You can observe traditional soy sauce making.
Manners and Etiquette for Visiting the Shrine
How to Pass Through the Torii Gate
When passing through the torii gate, which is the entrance to the shrine, bow before entering the grounds. Since the center of the path is considered the path of the gods, it is polite to walk along the side.
Proper Hand-Washing Ritual
- Take the ladle with your right hand and wash your left hand.
- Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand.
- Switch the ladle back to your right hand, receive water in your left hand, and rinse your mouth.
- Wash your left hand again.
- Hold the ladle upright, wash the handle, and return it to its original position.
Proper Worship Ritual
- Bow lightly in front of the offering box.
- Gently place your offering in the box.
- Ring the bell if there is one.
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once (bowing deeply twice, clapping twice, bowing deeply once).
- Bow lightly again when leaving.
Seasons at Ohno Minato Shrine
Spring
The cherry blossoms in the shrine grounds are in full bloom, and it is a beautiful season of fresh greenery. The Spring Grand Festival is also held, attracting many worshippers.
Summer
The deep green of the shrine’s grove creates a refreshing atmosphere. During the Summer Purification Ceremony, a ritual of passing through a ring of reeds is performed to cleanse away the impurities accumulated over the past six months.
Autumn
The autumn leaves turn beautiful colors, and the Autumn Grand Festival is held. A solemn atmosphere, befitting the harvest season, permeates the area.
Winter
The snow-covered shrine grounds present a serene beauty. Many worshippers visit for New Year’s prayers.
Shrine Diary and Social Media
Official Website
The official website of Ohno Minato Shrine is updated with the latest announcements, festival information, and the shrine diary (blog). Checking it before your visit will allow for a more fulfilling experience.
Official Instagram Account
Oono Minato Shrine operates an official Instagram account (@oonominatojinja), where it shares photos of festivals, seasonal events, shrine offerings, and interesting facts. Following the account allows you to learn about the shrine’s daily activities and special events.
Official Facebook Page
The shrine also shares information on its official Facebook page. Event information and visitor feedback are shared, serving as a community platform.
Community Involvement
Guardian Shrine of the Kanazawa Station West District
Oono Minato Shrine serves as the guardian shrine of the Kanazawa Station West District, a central place of worship for local residents. People visit the shrine for various occasions, from first shrine visits for newborns to Shichi-Go-San (a traditional rite of passage for children), exorcisms, and other significant life events.
Participation in Local Events
The shrine participates in various local events, playing a vital role in supporting community cohesion. During festivals, local residents cooperate to carry the portable shrine, preserving tradition.
Summary
Oono Minato Shrine is an important shrine in Kanazawa City with a history of over 1300 years. It enshrines Sarutahiko-no-Okami, the “god of guidance,” and attracts the faith of many people who believe that this deity guides them to the right path at various crossroads in life.
With its status as a shrine listed in the Engishiki (an ancient Japanese legal code), its deep connection to the Maeda family, its shrine buildings designated as a prefectural cultural property, and its lush surrounding forest, it is a shrine possessing historical, cultural, and natural value. When you visit Kanazawa, be sure to pay your respects and experience the sacred atmosphere cultivated over its long history.
Oono Minato Shrine is always open for new beginnings in life, important decisions, or simply to express daily gratitude. The god of guidance will surely lead your life in the right direction.
