Located in the city of Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, the Eight Great Dragon Kings Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the worship of Ryujin, the dragon god. The shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, which reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several historic buildings and temples, including a five-story pagoda. The Eight Great Dragon Kings Shrine is also famous for its 'dragon boat' festival, where participants dress in dragon costumes and parade through the streets.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ryujin
- Kami enshrined
- Ryujin
- Coordinates
- 35.3169314, 139.3828782
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, arrive early to witness the shrine's majestic sun rise ceremony, which takes place at dawn during peak season.
Cultural notes
As a Shinto temple dedicated to Ryujin, the shrine is deeply connected to Japanese mythology and folklore. The 'dragon boat' festival is a unique and colorful event that reflects the region's rich cultural traditions.
Historical note
The shrine was established during the Edo period (1603-1867) as Ryujin-ji, but was later rebuilt and renamed the Eight Great Dragon Kings Shrine in 1922.