Koryu Jinja

Deep in the mountains beyond Yomogihira Onsen in Nagaoka City, along the Ota River, stands Koryu Jinja. Enshrining the dragon deity Koryu Okami, it is revered as a god of prosperity in business, household safety, and bountiful harvests, drawing business owners and devoted visitors from across the nation as a quietly celebrated money-luck power spot.

Legend tells that in 1390, during the Northern and Southern Courts period, a warrior named Kono Kunai Nagaharu, suffering from battle wounds and lost in these mountains, was saved by a dragon deity, and a small shrine was raised in gratitude. The white snake is regarded as the deity messenger, and a mysterious air fills the grounds.

Highlights

• A flight of 118 stone steps leading to the main hall. An elevator, reached through a tunnel-like passage on the left of the steps, lets visitors with weak legs pay their respects, so many climb the steps going up and take the elevator down.
• A raw egg offered to the dragon deity, a custom said to stem from the white snake fondness for eggs and cherished as a distinctive practice.
• Besides the main shrine there are an inner sanctuary and a middle shrine, and white snakes are said to truly dwell near the middle shrine.
• Vermilion shrine buildings set against mountain greenery, in a quiet precinct full of clear mountain air, where worshippers tuck business cards into the shrine walls to make their wishes.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings fresh greenery, summer cool mountain air, and autumn a splendid blaze of color across the surrounding peaks. Winter is deep with snow, but the snow-clad buildings are truly majestic. After praying, a relaxing soak at Yomogihira Onsen at the foot of the mountain is a fine way to end the visit.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Yomogihira-machi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture
• Access: About 30 minutes by car from JR Nagaoka Station. Head toward Yomogihira Onsen and look for the large torii gate. By bus, head for the Yomogihira Onsen direction from Bus Stop 7 at the East Exit of Nagaoka Station (services are infrequent, so check in advance).
• Parking is available for general visitors, just beyond the tunnel.

Practical Travel Notes

• There is a custom of preparing a worship set of sacred sake, a raw egg, and a candle. Confirm the manner and order of the offering at the local signboards or the amulet office.
• Because it sits deep in the mountains, public transport is limited. A rental car or private car is convenient. In winter, come equipped for snow and icy roads.
• Some inns at Yomogihira Onsen offer day-use bathing, making it easy to plan a half-day trip combining the shrine visit with a hot-spring soak.
• The main and middle shrines are scattered along the mountain slope. Wear easy-walking shoes and allow plenty of time to explore.

A Quick Tip

Because there is a custom of offering an egg, check the local instructions to confirm the manner of worship before you begin, and your visit will feel all the more pleasant. Mountain roads can be slippery in winter, so watch your footing.

📚 Sources

This article is based on public information from Koryu Jinja, guidance from Nagaoka City and the Nagaoka Tourism and Convention Association, information from the Yomogihira Onsen inn cooperative, and on-site information boards. The manner of worship, amulet sets, and bus services may change, so please confirm with Koryu Jinja or the Nagaoka Tourism and Convention Association before setting out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about an hour to tour the shrine scattered along the slope.
• What to prepare: Easy-walking shoes; note the 118 stone steps, with an elevator available.
• Manner of worship: There is a custom of offering a raw egg, so check the local instructions.
• Getting there: About 30 minutes by car from Nagaoka Station; bus services are infrequent.
• Before you go: In winter come equipped for snow and icy roads, and confirm access in advance.