A–Z directory

蛇穴神社

Japanese Name蛇穴神社
PrefectureHyogo
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityRyujin
Coordinates34.9163129, 134.7406209

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in Hyogo Prefecture, Snake Cave Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of snakes and the underworld. Its name, 'Snake Cave' (hebi no ana), refers to the site's unique feature: a network of caves carved into the living rock on which the shrine stands. According to local legend, the shrine was built during the Heian period as an act of devotion by the imperial family for their snake offerings to the underworld kami, Ryujin.

Cultural Significance

Snake Cave Shrine is associated with the Ryujin, a powerful underwater deity revered for its ability to control the oceans. During the New Year's (Oshogatsu) festival, locals bring offerings of snake-shaped sweets and other symbols of good luck to ensure a prosperous year.

Enshrined Deities

Ryujin Ningyo no Okami Tsurugino O-no-mikoto

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 appreciate the shrine's unique geological features, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when possible, and carefully navigate the narrow cave paths before entering the main shrine area.

History

Built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE)

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.