Ishiura Shrine is the kind of spot you could easily walk right past—but you absolutely shouldn't. Tucked next to the famous garden, this little shrine is a historical treasure hiding in plain sight. Dating back to the Tensho Era and relocated in 1880, it's a peaceful oasis surrounded by over 255 trees that create a green sanctuary in the middle of the city.

The shrine's historical depth is mind-blowing. Its massive votive light once served as a beacon for the entire area, and the Ujiko Chizu map from 1631 is like a historical goldmine—a detailed snapshot of Kanazawa's castle town that reveals the exact locations of feudal warriors' residences, temples, and more. Designated as a Preserved Forest by Kanazawa City in 1983, this shrine is more than just a religious site—it's a living piece of local history that most tourists completely miss. Easy to overlook, but impossible to forget once you discover it.