Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.13 Ichinogozensha Double Dragon
Ichinogozen Shrine (Hiragou Town) — The Sanctuary of White and Black Dragons
In the quiet residential hills of Mizuhoku, Nagoya, a small yet sacred shrine stands silently amid modern homes — Ichinogozen Shrine. A black granite monument engraved with its origin and deities greets visitors at the entrance. The moment you step through the torii gate, a calm stillness and clear air envelop the space, as if time itself has paused.
Origin and Deities from Atsuta Shrine
According to legend, Ichinogozen Shrine was founded in 1564 (Eiroku 7) and enshrines the divine spirit of Ichinogozen Shrine of Atsuta Jingu. It was built as a guardian shrine to protect the former Sedo Village — today’s Hiragou Town. The main deity, Otomonotakehi no Mikoto, was a warrior who followed Yamato Takeru no Mikoto during his eastern expedition, both revered for courage, prosperity, and overcoming adversity.
The Dual Faith of Hakuryu and Kokuryu — Dragons of Blessing and Calm
On the monument within the precincts, it is written that the shrine worships Tenjin Aramitama no Mikoto and calms the spirit of Hakuryuhime — the White Dragon Goddess. Hakuryu represents pure water and fertility, while Kokuryu, known as the Black Dragon, symbolizes the divine force that subdues storms and disasters. Together, they embody two aspects of nature — the blessing and the restraint of water.
This dual dragon belief — White (Hakuryu) as peace and Black (Kokuryu) as power — reflects the ancient harmony between humans and water in Nagoya’s southern lowlands, where wetlands and irrigation once shaped daily life. White Dragon brings rain and abundance; Black Dragon calms floods and fire — a balance that defines the spiritual heart of this land.
The Atmosphere of the Shrine
Granite torii gates, stone lanterns, and a chouzubachi (purification basin) align neatly within the grounds, revealing craftsmanship reminiscent of Okazaki and Mikawa stonework traditions.
The wooden main hall is small yet solid, carefully maintained by local parishioners. A majestic camphor tree, registered as a preserved tree of Mizuhoku, towers beside the shrine — a living symbol of endurance, sheltering the spirits of Hakuryu and Kokuryu alike.
📜 Timeline of Ichinogozen Shrine (Including Legends)
| Year | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1564 (Legend) | Foundation of the shrine | Believed to have been founded during the Eiroku era, enshrining the spirit of Ichinogozen from Atsuta Jingu. Sources: regional shrine guides and local plaque. |
| 1694 (Legend) | Wooden tablet (munafuda) | Local tradition mentions a tablet dated Genroku 7 (1694). |
| 1871 | After the Shinbutsu separation | Continued as the guardian shrine of the Hiragou area. |
| 1950s–Present | Urbanization and preservation | Despite surrounding development, the torii and main hall remain preserved by local caretakers. |
🏯 Deities of Ichinogozen Shrine
| Deity | Meaning | Blessings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otomonotakehi no Mikoto | Divine warrior of the Yamato court | Protection, courage, success | Served Yamato Takeru during the eastern campaign; enshrined as guardian of Hiragou. |
| Yamato Takeru no Mikoto | Heroic prince of ancient Japan | Victory, prosperity, overcoming hardship | Revered throughout Japan as a symbol of bravery. |
| Hakuryuhime (White Dragon) | Water deity and spirit of purity | Rain, fertility, purification | Represents the gentle aspect of water; worshiped as the White Dragon Goddess. |
| Kokuryu (Tenjin Aramitama no Mikoto) | Divine force of protection | Flood control, fire prevention, disaster pacification | Represents the fierce aspect of water; balances the power of Hakuryu. |
Faith that Flows with Water
Ichinogozen Shrine is more than a small neighborhood sanctuary — it is a living testament to how people have prayed to both the blessings and the fury of nature. For centuries, locals have worshiped here to thank the White Dragon for its rain and to appease the Black Dragon that guards against calamity. In this quiet corner of Nagoya, their prayers still echo in the wind that passes through the torii gate.
Akiba Shrine (Sub-shrine within the Precincts)
Within the lower precincts stands a smaller sub-shrine — Akiba Shrine, dedicated to the deity of fire protection. Together with the White and Black Dragons of water, this expresses the ancient Japanese balance between fire and water within a single sacred ground.
🗂️ History of Akiba Shrine (Overview)
| Year | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown | Akiba sub-shrine established | Presumed to have been maintained as a small auxiliary shrine during local urbanization; exact founding or rebuild dates are not recorded. |
🔥 Deity of Akiba Shrine
| Deity | Meaning | Blessings |
|---|---|---|
| Hinokagutsuchi no Kami | God of fire | Fire protection, household safety, purification by sacred fire |
There are about 80,000 Shinto shrines across Japan.
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