Located in the town of Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, the shrine is dedicated to the eight great dragons (yōtō) known as the 'Ōtōin Yatagarasu'. According to legend, these deities were brought from the heavens by three imperial messengers and enshrined at this site. The shrine complex features a unique ' dragon hall' with a curved roof resembling a dragon's back.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Yatagarasu
- Kami enshrined
- Ryūjin, Yatagarasu
- Coordinates
- 34.7397749, 137.7309576
Visitor tip
To appreciate the shrine's architectural design, visit at dawn or dusk when the golden light highlights the intricate stone carvings and the curved roof.
Cultural notes
As a Shinto shrine dedicated to dragon deities, Ōtōin is particularly notable for its association with the mythological creature Ryūjin, the Dragon God of the Sea. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in autumn to honor these powerful deities.
Historical note
The shrine was built in 1607 during the Edo period.