A–Z directory

倉科神社

Japanese Name倉科神社
PrefectureNagano
ReligionShinto
Coordinates36.5315477, 138.1688392

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in the Japanese prefecture of Nagano, Kōkai-jinja Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of the sea and transportation, Kōkai-tōjin. This shrine is often overlooked by tourists visiting the nearby Zenko-ji Temple, but it offers a glimpse into the unique traditions and history of the region.

Cultural Significance

This shrine is notable for its unique architecture, which blends elements of both Heian and Kamakura periods. The most striking feature is the main hall's wooden structure, adorned with traditional carvings depicting waves and sea creatures. During the annual Hachiman Matsuri festival in March, the shrine hosts a procession honoring the god of war and transportation.

Enshrined Deities

null

Location

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Spot an error?

This shrine data is sourced from OpenStreetMap. You can submit a correction or edit it on OpenStreetMap.

Shrine data © OpenStreetMap contributors, under the Open Database License.

Browse shrines by prefecture

Jump to Shinto shrines across Japan — 108 prefectures in our directory.

Quick Facts

  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

To fully experience the shrine's maritime history, visit at low tide to see the remains of an old sea wall and a fragment of an ancient pier that once jutted out into Lake Suwa.

History

Kōkai-jinja Shrine was originally built in 1182 during the Heian period to honor the god Kōkai, who is said to have guided travelers along the old coast road between Echigo and Shinano provinces. The shrine has undergone several restorations over the centuries.

A-Z Creatures
Learn Japanese

Japanese Culture Network

Japanese Wood Joints

Ancient joinery techniques of Japanese master craftsmen

ShrinePuzzle

Directory of Japanese board games and traditional games

Kohibou

Japanese coffee culture — kissaten, third wave and brewing guides

E2Japan

Explore Japan's landmarks, shrines and hidden locations

The 725 Club

SNES and Super Famicom collection tracker

Spaceship Adventures

Hoshi no Isan — a Japanese-aesthetic space RPG in development

Uptown Zero

Pixel art life sim MMO — start at zero, build your life

Book Fairy Tales

AI-powered educational stories for kids

CSSKitsune

Japanese-aesthetic design tokens & AI-ready UI prompts

Shinto Wisdom app icon
Free App · No Ads · Offline

Shinto Wisdom Daily Practice

by 10k Game Studio

Every day, one teaching. One moment of stillness.
Kanji, meaning, and a quiet reflection — rooted in the philosophy behind Japan's forests, seasons, and sacred silences.

結び Musubi 清め Harae 自然 Shizen 間 Ma 誠 Makoto + 45 more
Get it on Google Play

Explore 297+ yōkai, oni, kami, and spirits — plus one of the largest English-language Shinto shrine directories on the web.

Explore
Popular Yokai
Popular Shrines

Content Warning: This website explores Japanese folklore and mythological beings—including yokai, oni, and other supernatural entities—that may be frightening to younger audiences or sensitive viewers. All material is presented for educational and cultural appreciation only. Viewer discretion is advised.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to preview content before sharing it with children. By continuing to use JapaneseMythicalCreatures.com, you acknowledge and accept this advisory.

Copyright © 2026 Japanese Mythical Creatures • All Rights Reserved.