The White Mountain Shrine, located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the worship of Ryujin, the dragon deity. The shrine's architecture and traditions reflect its connection to the local mythology and the region's history as a major producer of gold and other precious metals. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens and enjoy traditional Japanese festivals and events throughout the year.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ryujin
- Kami enshrined
- Ryujin, Okuni-san
- Coordinates
- 35.481452, 136.6856074
Visitor tip
To experience the best of White Mountain Shrine's autumn foliage, plan your visit for late November when the surrounding mountains display vibrant shades of orange and red.
Cultural notes
The shrine is notable for its unique Ryujin worship tradition, which features elaborate dragon dances performed during the New Year's (Oshogatsu) festival. Visitors can also explore the shrine's adjacent gold mine museum to learn about the region's rich mining history.
Historical note
Founded in 1844 during the Edo period, the shrine was originally dedicated to Okuni-san, a legendary onmyodo priestess from the region.