Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.21 Hakuryu Shirine (White Dragon)
Hakuryu Shrine in Mizuho Ward, Nagoya — A Sanctuary Preserving the Memory of Water and Land
Located in the quiet residential area of Nagoya City’s Mizuho Ward, Hakuryu Shrine stands as a rare place where the memory of a once vast pond still lives on. The shrine enshrines a sacred white serpent—revered as a dragon deity—and uniquely combines two forms of worship: the water deity Hakuryu Daio and the local Inari deity. This blend of faith reflects both the natural landscape that once dominated the area and the daily life of the people who lived around it.
The Lost Pond “Tabika-ga-ike” and the Legend of the White Dragon
Before the area became known as Hakuryu-cho, a large agricultural reservoir called Tabika-ga-ike spread across this land. Local tradition tells of a white serpent dwelling in the pond—a guardian spirit that controlled water and protected the surrounding fields. People revered this serpent as Hakuryu, the White Dragon. The present-day place name “Hakuryu-cho” is said to originate from this very legend.
From the 1930s to the Present — How the Shrine Was Established
During the urban development of the 1930s, Tabika-ga-ike was filled in, and nearby Tenjin-yama was dismantled for soil extraction. Local accounts mention a series of water-related accidents and misfortunes occurring during this time, which villagers interpreted as signs of the dragon spirit’s anger. To appease Hakuryu Daio and protect the transforming land from further calamities, a sacred shrine structure was gradually established.
A stone monument at the entrance bears the year 1933, while some records list 1938 as the official founding year. This suggests the shrine was not built all at once but completed in stages—from the original altar to the construction of the torii gate, pathways, and later the full shrine grounds.
Two Deities in One Shrine — The Unique Dual Faith of Hakuryu Shrine
Hakuryu Shrine’s most distinctive feature is the coexistence of two different deities:
- Hakuryu Daio — the dragon deity and guardian of water
- Oshiro Inari Shrine — an Inari deity protecting daily life and prosperity
1. Hakuryu Daio — The Water and Land Protector
Hakuryu Daio is believed to be the deified form of the white serpent that once inhabited Tabika-ga-ike. This dragon deity governs water, agriculture, and land stability. Today, worshippers pray to Hakuryu Daio not only for water safety but also for protection from natural disasters.
2. Oshiro Inari Shrine — The Guardian of Prosperity and Daily Life
Within the same grounds stands the bright red Oshiro Inari Shrine, guarded by fox statues dressed with handmade bibs. This deity brings blessings such as household safety, community well-being, abundant harvests, and business prosperity.
The coexistence of these two deities—water and land, and food and livelihood—forms a layered spiritual structure. It reflects the way nature and daily life were deeply connected for past generations.
Historical Timeline of Hakuryu Shrine
| Year / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| Before the 1800s | Tabika-ga-ike covers the area; legend of the white serpent emerges. |
| Late 1800s–1920s | The pond is used for irrigation; Hakuryu worship becomes established. |
| Early 1930s | Pond filling and mountain excavation occur; worship to calm disasters increases. |
| 1933 | Stone monument year. Torii, paths, and outer grounds begin construction. |
| 1938 | Listed by some sources as the founding year; major shrine structures completed. |
| Late 1930s | Oshiro Inari Shrine is added; dual worship style becomes established. |
| Present | Community maintains the shrine; dragon and Inari worship continue. |
Deities Enshrined at Hakuryu Shrine
| Deity | Origin | Blessings |
|---|---|---|
| Hakuryu Daio (Dragon Deity) | White serpent of Tabika-ga-ike, deified | Water disaster protection Agriculture and water management blessings Land stability and disaster prevention Good harvests |
| Oshiro Inari Shrine (Inari Deity) | Local Inari tradition | Household safety Community well-being Good harvests Business prosperity |
During my visit on December 4, I noticed offerings such as sweets and drinks placed neatly at the shrine. They were most likely brought by local residents. Even a small neighborhood shrine like this continues to exist as long as the tradition of devotion lives on.
Japan is said to have around 80,000 Shinto shrines. While the well-known, large shrines often attract tourists, countless smaller shrines quietly stand throughout the country. I visit these places seeking stonework—torii gates, stone lanterns, and Inari statues—crafted from granite. I hope you will take a moment to appreciate these stone creations, shaped by the hands of Japanese artisans and supported by centuries of history.