VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

One of the Five Great Shrines of Kanazawa and the Birthplace of the Kaga Hachiman Okiagari Doll

Founded in 939, Yasue Hachimangu Shrine is one of the Five Great Shrines of Kanazawa and is affectionately known by locals as “Kaji Hachiman” or simply “Hachiman-san.” It also uniquely enshrines Suitengu, the only shrine of its kind in Ishikawa Prefecture, dedicated to safe childbirth and children’s health.

During the Edo period, the shrine was deeply revered by the Maeda lords of the Kaga Domain, who prayed here for protection against fire and for healing from illness. It is also known as the birthplace of the traditional local doll Kaga Hachiman Okiagari, which represents resilience and good fortune. The doll’s design—featuring a red baby kimono—symbolizes the legend of the Hachiman deity being born wearing deep crimson garments.

On Days of the Dog (Inu no Hi), a traditional auspicious day in Japanese culture, many visitors come to the shrine to pray for safe childbirth and maternal health.