In the heart of Nara City lies Sarusawa Pond, a small but historically significant body of water believed to have been connected to the Dragon Palace (Ryūgū 龍宮). According to local legends, a dragon god was thought to reside in the pond, and it has long been a site of water deity worship.
During the Nara period (8th century), the pond became even more famous due to the tragic story of a Uneme (采女), a court lady who, in despair, threw herself into the pond. It is said that the dragon, repelled by this impurity, moved its residence from the pond to the Kōyama on Mount Kasuga.
(Uneme: A woman in the Japanese imperial court who attended to the emperor and empress, often responsible for the royal household's daily needs, and sometimes gaining the emperor’s favor.)
On Mount Kasuga, the Kōyama Shrine became a place associated with the dragon’s presence, once believed to be used in rituals for rainmaking. However, as time went on, the dragon’s presence was again tainted by the desecration of the area, and the dragon is said to have moved once more, this time to the Ryūketsu (Dragon’s Cave) in Muro, a town in the northeastern part of Nara Prefecture.
Today, Muro-ji Temple, located in Muro, is easily accessible by foot to the Muro Ryūketsu Shrine (Dragon Cave Shrine), which continues to exude a mysterious and sacred aura. The shrine is surrounded by towering, ancient cedar trees that are over 600 years old. It's a quiet, serene spot, often visited by few, offering an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Muro is also home to other dragon-related sites, such as the Ryūchin Shrine (龍鎮神社 Dragon God Shrine) and Ryūōga-uchi (竜王ヶ渕 Dragon King's Bay), both of which are peaceful power spots connected to the dragon mythos.
Recently, dragons have become a popular theme in Japan. Over the past few years, there has been a growing "dragon boom." Books about people who claim to see dragons, or those who have received dragon eggs and are raising them, are being published, alongside guides on how to attract good fortune by "making the dragon your ally."
As someone born in the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, I’ve always had a special fondness for dragons. Personally, my current fascination is with the Rainbow Dragon.
In Kyoto, many Zen temples feature grand, ink-painted dragon murals on their ceilings — a truly awe-inspiring sight. If you ever visit Japan, be sure to pay attention to the dragons around you, as they are an integral part of our cultural and spiritual heritage!
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