The Ryūgisenbo shrine in Akita Prefecture is dedicated to the dragon god Ryūjin, an important kami revered in Shintoism. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style with a tiled roof and wooden pillars, typical of Heian-period buildings. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Akita City from the shrine's grounds.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ryūjin
- Kami enshrined
- Ryūjin, Dragon God
- Coordinates
- 39.0726775, 139.8771706
Visitor tip
Try local sake and traditional sweets at the food stalls available near the shrine's main gate on weekends.
Cultural notes
Ryūgisenbo is also famous for its Ryūjin no Michi, a scenic path that takes visitors through a forested area where they can see dragon-shaped pine trees. This tradition dates back to ancient times when dragons were believed to have healing properties.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 1869 during the Meiji period as a memorial to the samurai who died during the Boshin War.