I believe there really are five thousand dragons in Shengtian Palace.
Do you really think there are 5,000 dragons at Seitengū?
In the suburbs of Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture, there is a Taoist temple called "Seitengū, where 5,000 dragons ascend," which is the largest Taiwanese Taoist temple in Japan. Why is there a Taiwanese temple here? It seemed mysterious, but apparently, in Taiwan, there is a custom where individuals build temples as a way to fulfill their prayers or express gratitude. This particular temple was also constructed by an individual who invited temple artisans from Taiwan, completing it over a span of 15 years.
As the name suggests, there are indeed 5,000 dragons adorning the temple, making it overflow with dragon motifs. The yellow-based gate also features a Chinese architectural style that is rarely seen in Japan.
The temple boasts intricate carvings, such as the "Nine Dragon Net" and "Nine Dragon Pillar," which are sculpted deeply and beautifully from single pieces of stone. The Taiji ceiling in the main hall represents the beginning of the universe, swirling to depict the balance of yin and yang.
Speaking of yin and yang, there is a unique Taiwanese (Taoist?) fortune-telling method. Two wooden pieces, marked with yin and yang on their respective sides, are dropped to the ground. You can only draw a fortune if the pieces land showing both yin and yang.
The abundance of dragons, the vibrant use of yellow, gold, and red in the buildings, combined with the clear blue sky on the day of my visit, made for an incredibly refreshing experience. With few visitors, it offers a taste of Taiwan while still being in Japan, making it highly recommended.
Name: Seitengū, where 5,000 dragons ascend
Address: 51-1 Tsukagoshi, Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Open Year-Round
Admission Fee: 500 yen