Located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Kinryu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sea god Ryujin and the three thousand gods of the sea, also known as the 「Sanjusangendo」. The shrine's architecture reflects its coastal location and its connection to the ocean. The main hall and other buildings are designed in the traditional style of Nagasaki, with a focus on simplicity and functionality.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ryujin
- Kami enshrined
- Ryujin, Sanjusangendo
- Coordinates
- 32.7656452, 129.8824787
Visitor tip
To fully experience the shrine's oceanic atmosphere, visit at low tide and explore the shoreline, where you can see the remains of ancient fortifications and the 「Kunch」, a large stone statue of Ryujin.
Cultural notes
Kinryu Shrine is closely tied to the mythology of Nagasaki, which tells the story of how the city was founded by a group of fishermen who were guided by Ryujin's divine power. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in October to celebrate the patron deity of sailors and fishermen.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1643 by the Tokugawa shogunate as part of a series of shrines built to control the sea and protect the city from pirate attacks.