Located in the scenic town of Akita, Ryūjin-sha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the dragon god Ryūjin, believed to possess the power of wisdom and good fortune. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a main hall featuring a tiled roof and a torii gate made from locally sourced cedar. Visitors can explore the surrounding gardens, which are said to be the favorite haunt of Ryūjin's mythical dragons.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ryūjin
- Kami enshrined
- Ryūjin, Kagami-no-mori-tsurugi-oki-toshitoshigihime
- Coordinates
- 39.6923459, 140.1051381
Visitor tip
For a unique perspective on the shrine, visit at dawn or dusk to capture the morning sun or golden hues of sunset casting through the torii gate.
Cultural notes
As a nod to its namesake, Ryūjin-sha is famous for its annual Dragon Festival, where participants dress in dragon costumes and parade through the streets, symbolizing the power of good luck and prosperity. Visitors can also try traditional Akita sweets, such as ningyo-yaki, during their visit.
Historical note
Established in 1869, during the late Edo period