About Yasue Hachimangu Shrine and Kanazawa Suitengu Shrine
Yasue Hachimangu Shrine is a historic shrine located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It has a history of being revered by the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain and is widely known as the birthplace of Kanazawa’s traditional craft, “Kaga Hachiman Okiagari” (a type of traditional doll). Within the shrine grounds is Kanazawa Suitengu Shrine, which attracts many worshippers seeking prayers for safe childbirth and fertility.
Yasue Hachimangu Shrine is a historic shrine located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. ## Deities and Blessings
Deities of Yasue Hachimangu Shrine
Main Deity
- Emperor Ojin
- Empress Jingu
- Tamayorihime no Mikoto
Deities of Kanazawa Suitengu Shrine
- Amenominakanushi no Kami
- Emperor Antoku
- Kenreimon-in
- Nii no Ama
Main Blessings
Yasue Hachimangu Shrine
- Good Fortune and Victory
- Protection from Evil
- Family Safety
- Business Prosperity
Kanazawa Suitengu Shrine
- Safe Childbirth
- Conception
- Child Rearing Protection
- Protection from Water-Related Disasters
Kanazawa Suiten-gu Shrine, in particular, is a famous place for praying for safe childbirth in the Hokuriku region, and there is a constant stream of visitors coming for the “Obi-iwai” ceremony, where expectant mothers receive a maternity belt on the Day of the Dog in their fifth month of pregnancy.
History and Origins
Founding and Changes
Yasue Hachimangu Shrine has a long history, originally located in Yasue-cho, east of Kanazawa Castle. Since the entry of Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga Domain, into Kanazawa, it has been revered by the domain and visited by successive lords, making it a historically significant shrine.
Due to urban development around Kanazawa Castle during the Meiji era, it was relocated to its current location in Konohana-cho. The name of the shrine comes from the former site’s place name, “Yasue-cho.”
History of Kanazawa Suiten-gu Shrine
Kanazawa Suiten-gu Shrine was originally established by inviting the deity from Kurume Suiten-gu Shrine, and has long been revered as a god of safe childbirth and fertility. Currently, it is a subsidiary shrine within the grounds of Yasue Hachimangu Shrine and is visited by many worshippers.
What is Kaga Hachiman Okiagari?
Origin of Okiagari
Kaga Hachiman Okiagari is a representative local toy of Kanazawa. It is said to have originated at Yasue Hachimangu Shrine, and many Okiagari are sold on the shrine grounds during the “Okiagari Market” held every December.
Meaning of Okiagari
These are round, red papier-mâché dolls that always stand back up after being knocked over, making them a popular lucky charm representing “falling seven times, getting up eight.” They symbolize the healthy growth of children and the strength to rise again no matter how many difficulties they face.
Okiagari Market
The “Okiagari Market,” held every year in mid-December, is a winter tradition in Kanazawa. Many stalls line the shrine grounds, selling Okiagari of various sizes and expressions. Many citizens purchase these as lucky charms to welcome the New Year.
Points for Worship
Order of Worship
- Pass through the Torii Gate and Purify at the Water Basin
Purify your left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order, and finally wash the handle of the ladle.
- Two Bows, Two Claps, and One Bow at the Main Hall
First, pray at the main hall of Yasue Hachimangu Shrine.
- To Kanazawa Suitengu Shrine
Also, pray at the Kanazawa Suitengu Shrine, a subsidiary shrine within the grounds. Those praying for a safe delivery can receive a maternity belt and other items at the shrine office.
Etiquette for Praying for a Safe Delivery
Visiting on the Day of the Dog
It is common to visit on the Day of the Dog in the fifth month of pregnancy. This custom is based on the belief that dogs are prolific and have easy deliveries.
Items to bring:
- Abdominal belt (sarashi or girdle type)
- Offering fee (5,000 yen and up)
After registering at the shrine office, you will receive a prayer. The blessed abdominal belt will be worn as a protective amulet for both mother and fetus.
Items Offered
- Kaga Hachiman Okiagari: Available in various sizes.
- Safe Childbirth Amulet: Safe childbirth amulet from Kanazawa Suiten-gu Shrine.
- Childbearing Amulet: For those wishing for children.
- Goshuin (Shrine Seal): Available at both Yasue Hachiman-gu Shrine and Kanazawa Suiten-gu Shrine.
Annual Events
Main Festivals
- January 1st: New Year’s Day Festival
- February (Setsubun Festival): Setsubun Festival
- September 15th: Grand Festival
- November 15th: Shichi-Go-San Festival
- Mid-December: Okiagari Market
The shrine is especially crowded with many visitors during the Shichi-Go-San festival and the Okiagari Market.
Access Information
Location
11-27 Konohana-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0854
Access by Train and Bus
From JR Kanazawa Station
- Get off at the Hokutetsu Bus “Hashibacho” bus stop, approximately 3 minutes on foot
- Travel time: approximately 15 minutes
Walking from Kanazawa Station
- Approximately 25 minutes (approximately 2 km)
Access by Car
- Approximately 20 minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway “Kanazawa-Nishi IC”
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway “Kanazawa-Higashi IC”
Parking
There is a free parking lot for visitors on the temple grounds (approximately 20 cars). It gets crowded during the Okiagari Market and Shichi-Go-San seasons, so using public transportation is recommended.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Within Walking Distance
- Kazue-machi Chaya District: Approximately 5 minutes on foot. Charming teahouse district along the Asano River
- Higashi Chaya District: Approximately 8 minutes on foot. The largest of Kanazawa’s three teahouse districts.
- Asano River Bridge: Approximately 7 minutes on foot. A beautiful bridge registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property.
A short trip further
- Kanazawa Castle Park: Approximately 5 minutes by car. The site of the castle of the Kaga domain.
- Kenrokuen Garden: Approximately 7 minutes by car. One of Japan’s three most famous gardens.
- Omicho Market: Approximately 5 minutes by car. A bustling market known as Kanazawa’s kitchen.
Notes on visiting
Visiting Hours
- Visiting is possible anytime during the day.
- Shrine office hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Prayer service reception: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Attire
For regular visits, everyday clothing is fine, but for formal visits such as prayers for safe childbirth, please keep the following in mind.
- Clean attire
- Modest clothing
- Avoid sandals and flip-flops
Photography
Photography is generally permitted within the shrine grounds, but please note the following:
- Photography is prohibited inside the main hall
- Consideration for other worshippers
- Use of tripods sparingly
Summary
Yasue Hachimangu Shrine and Kanazawa Suitengu Shrine are shrines that convey the history and culture of Kanazawa, as the birthplace of the Kaga Hachiman Okiagari doll. Kanazawa Suitengu Shrine, in particular, is the leading place in the Hokuriku region for prayers for safe childbirth, attracting many pregnant women and their families.
When sightseeing in Kanazawa, we recommend visiting these shrines along with Higashi Chaya District and Kazue-machi Chaya District. The Okiagari Market in December offers a valuable opportunity to experience Kanazawa’s traditional culture.
