Ryuren no Kane – Fujisawa, Japan - Atlas Obscura

AO Edited

Ryuren no Kane

Fujisawa, Japan

A romantic escape inspired by the legend of a child-eating five-headed dragon. 

5
26

Off the coast of Fujisawa, just outside Kamakura, Enoshima is a scenic island popular among couples due to its romantic reputations. For instance, there is a “lovers’ hill,” a secluded escape covered with love locks and topped with a lucky bell called Ryuren no Kane, or “Dragon Love Bell.”

The hill is a typical tourist attraction, a so-called “power spot,” and it is said that couples who ring the bell together will stay together for life. But the Enoshima legend that inspired its conception, which concerns the romance between a dragon and a goddess, happens to be a rather dark one.

Legend has it that there once lived a tyrannical dragon who reigned over the Koshigoe area of Kamakura and demanded human child sacrifice. He fell in love with Benzaiten, the guardian goddess of Enoshima, however, and finally mended his ways when she reprimanded him for his horrible deeds.

Though the love story of the dragon and the goddess is well-known and repeated across Enoshima, many tourists are unaware of the grim aspects of the legend. Did the dragon deserve redemption and love? Well, that’s up to your interpretation.

Know Before You Go

The bell can be accessed from the grounds of Enoshima Shrine, up on a wooded hill. Though the entrances are easy to miss, there is plenty of signs indicating the direction to the bell. If you are interested in the legend, also consider visiting Ryuko-Myojin Shrine (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ryukomyo-shrine-japan).

Community Contributors

August 9, 2024

Make an Edit Add Photos
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web