Dairyuji 大龍寺

Enigmatic dragon temple

A short but circuitous walk from Iwatsuki Station in Saitama City is Dairyuji. It's a Soto sect temple built in the 17th century by the lord of Iwatsuki Castle a few kilometers away. The temple has gorgeous dragon carvings in the lintel of the gate, climbing the pillars of the temple's facade, and balanced by a phoenix image in the gable above the steps to the temple. There isn't much information other than what I wrote here. It's simply an elegant testament to the power and wealth of the local lord, and a significant place for the local people, with a garden of pine and plum trees and a cemetery in the grounds.