Located in the heart of Iya Village, Dragon's Eye Shrine is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to the worship of Ryujin, the dragon god. The shrine's name is derived from its unique design, which features a large stone statue of a dragon with an eye-shaped opening on top of its head. According to local legend, the eye is said to be a magical portal that grants wisdom and good fortune to those who seek it.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ryujin
- Kami enshrined
- Ryujin, Tennin, Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 34.0688765, 134.3839349
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's natural beauty, visitors are advised to climb up the hillside and walk around the shrine's grounds at dawn or dusk when the mist is still rising from the valley below.
Cultural notes
As a Ryujin shrine, Dragon's Eye Shrine plays an important role in the local mythology of Tokushima Prefecture. According to legend, the dragon god is said to have the power to control the forces of nature and bring good luck to those who worship it. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in May, where locals dress up in traditional costumes and perform rituals to honor the dragon god.
Historical note
The shrine was established in 1792 during the Edo period, making it one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Tokushima Prefecture.