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Dragons in Japan: Sacred Symbols, Folklore, and Modern Culture
日本の龍：宗教的なシンボル、伝承、そして現代カルチャーへ
In Japan, dragons are not just mythical creatures, but are also symbols of protection, wisdom, and nature’s power. Revered throughout Japanese history, art, and folklore, dragons appear in many forms across the cultural landscape.
One of the most common places to encounter a dragon in everyday life is at a purification fountain (手水屋; chozuya or temizuya) found at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Visitors use these fountains to wash their hands before approaching the sacred grounds to offer prayers or pay their respects. While not always the case, it is often at these fountains that we find a water spout in the shape of a dragon’s upper body.
This connection between dragons and water is no coincidence. In Japanese mythology, dragons are strongly associated with watery realms such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. This symbolism is vividly demonstrated at the Nine-Headed Dragon Shrine in Hakone, where a purification fountain features nine dragon heads overlooking Lake Ashi (Ashinoko). Another example is the legend of the golden dragon of Tanuki Shrine, which gazes out over Lake Tanuki in Shizuoka Prefecture.
In Buddhist tradition as well, dragons hold deep significance. By the 9th century, Chinese Buddhism had incorporated dragons as protectors of Buddha and guardians of Buddhist law, which had an influence on Buddhism that spread to Japan. This Buddhist association is reflected in the frequent use of the character for "dragon" (龍; ryū) in the names of many Japanese Buddhist temples, including Ryūfuku-ji (龍福寺), where I took this photo.
Of course, dragons in Japan are not confined to religious contexts. In the modern era, they have also found a place in Japanese popular culture. Today, dragons appear in tattoo art adopted by a small number of contemporary young people (though still more commonly associated with the Yakuza) as well as in manga, video games, fashion, and many other forms of post-modern Japanese expression.
Personally, I had always pictured dragons as fearsome creatures of terror. That is why I find it fascinating to encounter an alternate view of these beings as revered and protective figures. In Japan, we see this perspective reflected in dragons carved into the beams of Shinto shrines, painted on temple ceilings, and gracefully adorning purification fountains. It is a beautiful reminder of the many layers of meaning that mythological creatures can hold regardless of cultural boundaries.
- Location: Ryufuku-ji Temple, Hokuto, Yamanashi, Japan
- Timestamp: 2025/04/08・12:43
- Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
- 63 mm ISO 100 for 1/50 sec. at ƒ/5.6
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