The Dragon King Shrine in Okayama Prefecture is a Shinto temple dedicated to the worship of Ryujin, the Japanese dragon king. This shrine is believed to be one of the oldest in Japan and has played an important role in local mythology and culture for centuries.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Ryujin
- Coordinates
- 34.5786785, 133.8106727
Visitor tip
To enhance your visit, try the local specialty 'Okayama Wagashi', traditional Japanese sweets, which are often offered at the shrine's ceremonies.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its unique architectural style, which features a large torii gate made from cypress wood. Ryujin is often depicted in local art and literature as a powerful and benevolent deity, responsible for the region's fertility and prosperity.
Historical note
Its origins date back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with some sources suggesting that it was built during this time as a way to appease Ryujin and ensure the region's prosperity.