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Nojima Shrine and Kanazawa Hakkei: Complete Pilgrimage Guide

Nojima Shrine in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, sits atop Nojima Park and has been celebrated since the Edo period as one of the Kanazawa Hakkei (Eight Views of Kanazawa) — specifically the "Evening Glow of Nojima." This guide covers the shrine history, the views immortalized by Hiroshige, and a complete pilgrimage route through the eight scenic spots.

Contents

MOKUJI

What Is Nojima Shrine?

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What Is "Nojima no Sekisho," One of the Eight Views of Kanazawa?

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The Views and Highlights of Nojima Park

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Kanazawa Hakkei Pilgrimage: Nearby Shrines and Temples

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Summary: Planning Your Nojima Shrine and Kanazawa Hakkei Pilgrimage

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Frequently Asked Questions

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The precincts of Nojima Shrine, site of the Kanazawa Hakkei view "Evening Glow of Nojima"

Nojima Shrine, perched atop the hill of Nojima Park in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, is an ancient shrine celebrated since the Edo period as the site of “Nojima no Sekisho” (Evening Glow of Nojima) — one of the famous Kanazawa Hakkei (Eight Views of Kanazawa). Where the setting sun over Tokyo Bay meets the prayers of those who seek maritime protection, this site was immortalized in the woodblock prints of Utagawa Hiroshige.

What Is Nojima Shrine?

Nojima Shrine is located at 10 Nojimamachi, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, on the elevated hill of Nojima Park. Its founding date is unknown, but it is said to have stood on this land for centuries, gathering the faith of local fishermen and seafarers as a guardian of maritime safety.

The History of Nojima and Its Medieval Roots

Nojima was once recorded as “Noshima,” a small promontory forming part of the Kanazawa district (present-day Kanazawa Ward) that was associated with the Kanazawa clan. Situated near the important medieval port of Mutsuura, this area was a vital maritime hub for the warrior class, making the shrine protective role all the more significant.

The Deity and Nature of Worship

Detailed written records about the enshrined deity are scarce, so we avoid definitive claims. What is clear is that this is an ancient shrine dedicated to maritime protection, and the very location — a hilltop jutting into the sea — served as a landmark and spiritual beacon for those navigating the coastal waters.

View of Tokyo Bay and the surroundings of Nojima Shrine from the hill of Nojima Park

What Is “Nojima no Sekisho,” One of the Eight Views of Kanazawa?

The Kanazawa Hakkei (Eight Views of Kanazawa) is a collection of eight scenic spots around the Kanazawa area of Yokohama, inspired by the concept of the “Eight Views of Xiaoxiang” from China. These scenes became widely celebrated during the Edo period and remain culturally significant today.

The Eight Views and Their Locations

Each of the eight views captures a distinct seasonal or atmospheric moment, and many of the associated sites still welcome visitors today.

View Name

Associated Location

Koizumi Yau (Night Rain at Koizumi)

Near Teko Shrine

Shomyo Bansho (Evening Bell at Shomyoji)

Shomyoji Temple

Ottomo Kihan (Returning Sails at Ottomo)

Ottomo Coast

Susaki Seiran (Storm Clearing at Susaki)

Near Susaki Shrine

Seto Shugetu (Autumn Moon at Seto)

Seto Shrine and Biwajima

Hirakata Rakugan (Wild Geese at Hirakata)

Hirakata Bay

Nojima Sekisho (Evening Glow at Nojima)

Nojima (Nojima Shrine)

Uchikawa Bosetsu (Evening Snow at Uchikawa)

Uchikawa Inlet

Of these eight views, “Nojima no Sekisho” celebrates the beauty of the setting sun, whose glow over Tokyo Bay has captivated travelers for centuries.

Utagawa Hiroshige and the Eight Views

Utagawa Hiroshige was one of the foremost ukiyo-e artists of the late Edo period, renowned for his evocative landscape prints. Hiroshige created a celebrated series depicting the Eight Views of Kanazawa, bringing the scenic beauty of Nojima’s evening glow to audiences across Japan. His prints show the small promontory bathed in crimson twilight, with the calm waters of the bay reflecting the fading light — imagery that played a crucial role in establishing Nojima’s fame nationwide.

Coastal scenery of Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, and the evening sky as seen from Nojima Shrine

The Views and Highlights of Nojima Park

Nojima Shrine is set within Nojima Park, a natural park that takes advantage of the hill’s dramatic coastal topography. From the observation deck near the summit, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Tokyo Bay, and on clear days the Boso Peninsula of Chiba Prefecture is visible across the water.

Best Times and Spots to See the Evening Glow

The optimal time to experience “Nojima no Sekisho” is in the hour before and after sunset. The observation deck and shrine precincts offer unobstructed westward views across Tokyo Bay. As the sun descends, the water surface turns from gold to deep orange, and the distant silhouette of the Boso hills emerges against the fading sky — a scene that echoes Hiroshige’s woodblock prints. Sunset times vary significantly by season, so it is worth checking before your visit to plan accordingly.

The Shrine Precincts and Atmosphere

The hilltop precincts carry a distinctive atmosphere of quiet antiquity, where sea breezes accompany your ascent through the wooded approach. The path climbs to the main hall, and the panorama of sea and sky visible from the precinct deepens the sense of reverence. Visiting this ancient guardian shrine of maritime travel is a meditative experience well removed from the bustle of central Yokohama.

The main hall and precincts of Nojima Shrine in Kanazawa Ward

Kanazawa Hakkei Pilgrimage: Nearby Shrines and Temples

Starting from Nojima Shrine, you can continue to other sacred sites associated with the Eight Views of Kanazawa. By combining the Seaside Line and short walks, it is possible to visit several historically significant spots in half a day to a full day.

Seto Shrine and Biwajima Shrine (Site of the Autumn Moon View)

Seto Shrine is an ancient shrine just minutes from Kanazawa Hakkei Station, associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo. In the inlet beside it, Biwajima Shrine — a small island shrine dedicated to Benzaiten — captures the “Seto Shugetu” (Autumn Moon at Seto) scene. Pairing the moon-viewing view of Biwajima with the sunset view at Nojima creates a complementary journey through two of Kanazawa Hakkei’s most atmospheric landscapes.

Shomyoji Temple (Site of the Evening Bell View)

Shomyoji Temple is a distinguished temple founded by the Kanazawa Hojo clan in the Kamakura period, associated with the “Shomyo Bansho” (Evening Bell at Shomyoji) view. Its Pure Land garden, with arched bridge and reflective pond, presents a scene of refined tranquility in every season. As the most historically significant temple in Kanazawa Ward, a combined visit with Nojima Shrine forms the cornerstone of any Kanazawa cultural itinerary.

Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

Tomioka Hachimangu is a venerable Hachiman shrine in Tomioka, Kanazawa Ward, serving as the communal guardian shrine of the local area. Located slightly beyond the main Eight Views circuit, it is conveniently positioned for a stop en route and offers insight into the long tradition of Hachiman worship in this coastal district.

Experiencing the history and scenery of Kanazawa Hakkei through a visit to Nojima Shrine

Summary: Planning Your Nojima Shrine and Kanazawa Hakkei Pilgrimage

Tips for Visiting

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The nearest station is “Nojima Koen” on the Seaside Line, approximately a 10-minute walk from Nojima Shrine

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Arrive at the observation deck about one hour before sunset to experience the “Evening Glow” at its best

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Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the approach to the hilltop shrine includes stairs

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A Seaside Line one-day pass makes it easy to travel efficiently between the Eight Views sites

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Shomyoji Temple may charge a small admission fee for the garden, so bring some cash

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Summer visits benefit from cool sea breezes, but sun protection is recommended

Related Spots

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Nojima Shrine — ancient maritime guardian shrine, site of Kanazawa Hakkei’s “Evening Glow”

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Seto Shrine — ancient shrine associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo, site of the “Autumn Moon” view

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Biwajima Shrine — island shrine to Benzaiten amid the inlet, embodying Kanazawa Hakkei’s scenic spirit

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Shomyoji Temple — Kamakura-period temple of the Kanazawa Hojo clan, site of the “Evening Bell” view

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Tomioka Hachimangu — communal guardian shrine of Kanazawa Ward

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nojima Shrine located?

Nojima Shrine is located at 10 Nojimamachi, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City, on the hill within Nojima Park. The nearest station is “Nojima Koen” on the Kanazawa Seaside Line, from which the shrine is approximately a 10-minute walk. The main hall sits near the top of the park’s wooded hill.

What does “Nojima no Sekisho” mean?

“Nojima no Sekisho” means “Evening Glow of Nojima” and refers to the scenic view of the setting sun as seen from the Nojima promontory — one of the celebrated Eight Views of Kanazawa. “Sekisho” denotes the way evening light illuminates the sky and water surface, a scene that has inspired poetry, painting, and woodblock prints since the Edo period.

How do I get there? What is the nearest station?

Take the Kanazawa Seaside Line to “Nojima Koen” station. From there, walk approximately 10 minutes through Nojima Park to reach the shrine. For those arriving by Keikyu Line, transfer to the Seaside Line at Kanazawa Hakkei Station. Parking is available within Nojima Park for those traveling by car.

When is the best time to see the evening view?

The hour before and after sunset is ideal for experiencing the “Evening Glow of Nojima.” The observation deck and shrine hilltop offer clear westward views across Tokyo Bay. Spring and autumn tend to offer the clearest skies and most dramatic light. Check local sunset times before your visit, as they vary considerably by season.

Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Toku editorial team — samurai history. Insists on primary sources and castle-layout diagrams, walking battlefields from Yoritomo's Izu exile sites to the late-Edo battlegrounds.

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