A–Z directory

山路王子神社

Yamaji Oji Shrine

Japanese Name山路王子神社
English NameYamaji Oji Shrine
PrefectureWakayama
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityKumano deities
TypeKumano worship Shrine
Coordinates34.1146487, 135.1953975

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Yamaji Oji Shrine is one of the subsidiary shrines (oji) along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes in Wakayama Prefecture. These oji shrines served as rest stops and places of worship for pilgrims traveling to the main Kumano Sanzan shrines, providing spiritual guidance and protection during the arduous mountain journey.

Cultural Significance

The oji shrine system represents a unique aspect of Japanese religious practice where subsidiary shrines created a network of sacred spaces supporting major pilgrimage destinations, reflecting the integration of Shinto and Buddhist traditions in medieval Japan.

Enshrined Deities

Kumano Gongen

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

  • Era: Heian period
  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

Look for traditional pilgrimage markers and take time to appreciate the shrine's role in Japan's ancient spiritual journey traditions.

History

The shrine is part of the ancient Kumano pilgrimage network that developed during the Heian period when aristocrats and later common people would undertake religious journeys to the sacred Kumano region. Oji shrines were established at regular intervals along the pilgrimage routes to provide spiritual sustenance and serve as markers for travelers navigating the mountain paths.

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.