Ryūjin, literally Dragon God, is one of Japan’s major deities. Here at the Ryūjin-shō, we connect with this powerful embodiment of nature. The dragon represents the sun. It also embodies the sky, water, disasters, fortune, and power.
His worship comes from ancient animism. It continues across Japan today. Hundreds of Shinto shrines are dedicated to Ryūjin. Ryūkō-Myōjin Shrine in Nishi-Kamakura is a rare variant. It is the only shrine of Gozūryū-ōkami. This deity is the Five-Headed Dragon God.
Legend says Gozūryū-ōkami dwelled in a lake in Fukasawa. People feared him. He often caused floods. He demanded human sacrifices. One day, Enoshima island emerged from the sea. Benzaiten, an Indian water goddess, descended as its guardian. The dragon fell in love. She denounced his deeds. He vowed to change.
Eventually, the goddess saw goodness in the dragon’s heart. She married him. The townsfolk supported and worshipped them. Years later, the dragon slept. He turned into a mountain range. People built a shrine on Mount Ryūkō in 552. This honored him. Ryūkō means dragon-mouth.
In 1978, they moved the shrine here. This location is considered the Five-Headed Dragon’s belly. It overlooks Enoshima island. His beloved consort continues to be worshipped there. She protects the region. She defends against disasters and evil.
Ryūjin embodies the ocean’s strength. He controls tides with magical jewels. These jewels are from his castle, Ryūgū-jō. They say he has a large mouth. He can transform into human shape. Ryūjin was the father of Otohime. She married the hunter prince, Hoori. Emperor Jimmu was their grandson. He was Japan’s first emperor. The imperial dynasty traces its roots to Ryūjin.
Watatsumi is another name for Ryūjin. The Kojiki mentions the dragon god. It was written around 712 CE. The Nihongi also mentions the sea god. It was written around 720 CE. Ryūjin shinkō is a Shinto belief. It worships dragons. Dragons are water kami. They are linked to agriculture, rain, and fishermen’s luck.
Japan has Shinto shrines for Watatsumi. Examples include Watatsumi jinja in Kobe and Kitakyūshū. Another is Daikai jinja in Osaka. The Katase-Enoshima station pays tribute to Ryūgū-jō. It was designed with Ryūgū-jō in mind. This architecture honors Japan’s culture and traditions.
Ryūgū-jō is the Dragon Palace Castle. It is Ryūjin’s underwater palace. Legend says the castle is crystal or red and white corals. Ryūjin’s family lived there. Servants were loyal. Its four corners have different seasons. One day inside spans a century outside.
Empress Jingū attacked Korea. Ryūjin helped her. She threw tide jewels into the sea. The kanju jewel made tides recede. The Korean fleet was stranded. Jingū then threw the manju jewel. A torrent drowned her enemies. The Gion Matsuri festival celebrates this victory.
So, remember the tale of Ryūjin. His power shapes Japan’s beliefs and history. May your visit here bring you luck. May it bring you a deeper connection to the Dragon God’s legacy.