Located in the city of Gotenba, Shizuoka Prefecture, Ryūtail no Kami Shrine is a local Shinto shrine dedicated to Ryūtail no Kami, the dragon god of the Ryūtail River. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Shizuoka-style designs, with a striking vermilion torii gate and a tranquil garden. Ryūtail no Kami is revered as a patron deity for agriculture and fishing, and visitors can make offerings at the shrine's shrine hall to ensure bountiful harvests and successful catches.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ryūtail no Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Ryūtail no Kami
- Coordinates
- 34.7829816, 138.017
Visitor tip
To make an offering at the shrine, visitors should bring a small portion of their freshly caught fish or a basket of fruit to leave as an offering for Ryūtail no Kami.
Cultural notes
Ryūtail no Kami is often associated with the mythology of Shizuoka Prefecture, where the dragon god is said to have once swum upstream on the Ryūtail River to defeat a giant serpent. The shrine hosts an annual festival in July, called 'Matsuri no Hi', which features traditional dances and performances to honor the deity.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 1185 during the Kamakura period by Minamoto no Yoritsune, a prominent samurai of the time.