Hakuryu Shrine

Hakuryu Shrine in Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, began when a small shrine was built beneath a willow tree. It later enshrined a ginkgo tree as its sacred tree, and the two deities — Takaokami-no-kami and Susanoo — came to be venerated collectively as Hakuryu-sama (the White Dragon). Following the post-World War II reconstruction plan, the shrine and its sacred tree were relocated to their current site in 1958. Situated in an urban area, the shrine is believed to bestow blessings of financial fortune and business prosperity. Offerings of raw eggs — a favorite of snakes — are commonly left by worshippers. A subsidiary shrine houses an omokaru-ishi (weighing stone): if the stone feels light when lifted while making a wish, the wish is said to come true.