Dragon Cave: A Place of Reverence, Pilgrimage, and Sacred Tradition
Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan
Timestamp: 10:32・2024/03/20
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 100 for 0.6 sec. at ƒ/10
Ryugu-Doketsu, or “Dragon Cave” in English, stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring forces of nature. Designated as a nationally recognized natural monument, its origins trace back to the Jogan eruption of Mt. Fuji in 864 CE. During this cataclysmic event, lava flows engulfed the region, cooling and solidifying over time to form intricate natural caverns through the process of erosion.
Dragon Cave, and several others located throughout the Aokigahara-Jukai Forest are greeted by a display of nature's craftsmanship. Ice caves, where icicles stubbornly refuse to melt even under the summer sun, and rozen lava flows, captured in time, serve as a silent testament to the tremendous power unleashed by the volcano centuries ago.
The mystique of Ryugu-Doketsu Cave, a lesser-known gem, is waiting to be discovered. Nestled amidst moss-covered rocks, this intimate cavern offers a passage to another realm, connecting to a tranquil lake beyond its depths. At its entrance stands a modest shrine, home to Toyotamahime, the Goddess of Water, revered by locals for generations.
Senoumi Shrine, as the shrine is known, holds a special place in the hearts of worshipers who make pilgrimages to this location. Officially registered with the Shrine Agency, its name pays homage to an ancient legend of a dragon god dwelling within the cave. In times of drought, villagers would gather here, seeking divine intervention in the form of rain.
For adherents of the Fujiko sect, dedicated to the worship of Mount Fuji, Senoumi Shrine is more than just a place of worship—it is a sacred sanctuary steeped in history. With roots stretching back to the Edo Period, pilgrims flock to its hallowed grounds, offering prayers and reverence to the mountain that looms majestically nearby.
As visitors, it is our privilege to share in this sacred space. When visiting Dragon Cave and Senoumi Shrine, let us honor the traditions of those who came before us. Show respect to pilgrims in prayer, observing their rituals with quiet reverence. And as they depart, may we pause to reflect on the timeless bond between humanity and the natural world—a bond that finds its truest expression in places like Dragon Cave.
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