The Koi Dragon Legend

Shinto, koi legend, dragon, Gion Festival, shrine, waterfall

The Gion Matsuri abounds with diverse mystical tales and historical legends. One, the koi dragon legend, describes how a humble carp or koi became a powerful dragon. Part ecology, part life metaphor, part esoteric spiritual teaching, this story has captured a special pride of place in Asian culture. It’s also the main theme of the Koi Yama float, in the Gion Festival’s Ato Matsuri.