Located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, Gold Pavilion Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the vengeful spirit of Kinryu, a samurai who died during the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185. According to legend, Kinryu was so outraged by his own death that he cursed those responsible and vowed to haunt them for eternity. Today, visitors can still experience the shrine's eerie atmosphere and pay respects to this vengeful spirit.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Kinryu
- Kami enshrined
- Kinryu, Taka no Kuni no Kami, Shin'en, Matsue no Okami
- Coordinates
- 36.3572608, 140.6100508
Visitor tip
When visiting Gold Pavilion Shrine, be sure to bring an offering of sake or miso soup to make amends with Kinryu's vengeful spirit, as locals believe that these offerings can help calm his anger.
Cultural notes
As a shrine dedicated to a vengeful spirit, Gold Pavilion Shrine is known for its unique architectural style and ornate decorations. The shrine's main hall is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Japanese mythology and history. Visitors may also notice the presence of two large stones, said to be Kinryu's tombstones, which are believed to hold spiritual significance.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1613 after being destroyed during a conflict between the Tokugawa shogunate and the Takeda clan.