In Japan, a shrine (jinja, 神社) is a place of worship in Shinto, the indigenous religion that honours kami (神) — sacred spirits tied to nature, ancestors, heroes, and remarkable places. Unlike a church or temple built mainly for sermons, a shrine is a living threshold between everyday life and the sacred: a grove, a gate, a hall, and open ground where people pause, bow, and leave offerings.
Shrines appear throughout daily life in Japan. Neighbours visit a local ujigami shrine for protection; students pray for exams at a Tenjin shrine; merchants favour Inari shrines; families buy omamori charms and draw omikuji fortune slips; and at New Year millions attend hatsumōde (初詣), the first shrine visit of the year. Festivals (matsuri), weddings, and seasonal rituals still centre on shrine communities, even when faith is quiet or personal.
Many shrine grounds also overlap with the world of folklore on this site. Fox messengers at Inari shrines connect to kitsune legends; thunder kami echo Raijin; boundary stones and sacred trees often appear in yōkai tales. Understanding shrines helps place those creatures in their real cultural setting — not only as story monsters, but as beings once approached with respect at the altar.
Search by name, prefecture, city, or shrine type below. Each listing notes enshrined kami, location, and a short description where available. Open a shrine page for maps, visitor notes, and links to official sites when we have them.
30,440 shrines found
Saitama
Located in the heart of Saitama, Japan's most populous prefecture, the Nineveh Shrine is a Shinto sh...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiKodai-cho Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kodai, Saitama Prefecture. Dedicated to I...
View shrine →
Saitama
ŌjinLocated in the heart of Saitama, Mitō no Miyabichō-gū, also known as Mitō Shrine or three palace shr...
View shrine →
Saitama
Ōkami-no-MikotoLocated in the heart of Saitama Prefecture, Saikō Shrine is dedicated to Ōkami-no-Mikoto, the Shinto...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiNew Town Inari Shrine, located in the heart of Saitama Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most...
View shrine →
Saitama
HachimanEight Bells Temple, located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture's western countryside, has a rich his...
View shrine →
Saitama
Hirohito Shrine, dedicated to the emperors of Japan, is located in Higashikamata, Tokyo. It was esta...
View shrine →
Saitama
Located in the city of Saitama, Spring Palace Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shint...
View shrine →
Saitama
Below the mountains of Kawagoe, lies a Shinto shrine that is steeped in tradition and history. This...
View shrine →
Saitama
Tamayusu-himeLocated in the city of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, North Baggage Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicate...
View shrine →
Saitama
Kofuku DaikokuKatsura Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Omiya area of Saitama Prefecture, known for its bea...
View shrine →
Saitama
Wakashima Shrine, located in the city of Wakō, Saitama Prefecture, is dedicated to the legendary fig...
View shrine →
Saitama
ShintojinThe Hundred Deities Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worsh...
View shrine →
Saitama
Ōkami no KamiThe Hakone Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto kami of the samurai spi...
View shrine →
Saitama
Ōkami小室社 Shrine in Saitama Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto god of agriculture, rice, and prosper...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiLocated in the historic town of Kawagoe, this shrine honors the deity Inari Okami, revered as the pa...
View shrine →
Saitama
AmaterasuLove Shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, is a Shinto shrine located in Saitama Prefectur...
View shrine →
Saitama
TsukushiOutu no Tsukushi Shinto shrine is a small, serene temple located in the city of Omiya, Saitama Prefe...
View shrine →
Saitama
Benzaiten榎戸弁財天 is a Shinto shrine located in Saitama, Japan, dedicated to the god of wealth and prosperi...
View shrine →
Saitama
HachimanLocated in the heart of Ibaraki, Saitama Prefecture, White Hair Shrine is a tranquil Shinto sanctuar...
View shrine →
Saitama
Ryujin, MikotoAkakawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the scenic Akakawa River valley in Iwadate, Hiki Distri...
View shrine →
Saitama
HachimanEightzaka Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war and...
View shrine →
Saitama
Tsukiyomi Kami, Inari Okami入里天満宫（Arakida Tennanzan）是位于日本埼玉県さいたま市丰台区的神社。该神社以其庇护人为名，据信是...
View shrine →
Saitama
InariGold Mountain Shrine, located in the city of Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedic...
View shrine →Jump to Shinto shrines across Japan — 108 prefectures in our directory.
Ancient joinery techniques of Japanese master craftsmen
Directory of Japanese board games and traditional games
Japanese coffee culture — kissaten, third wave and brewing guides
Explore Japan's landmarks, shrines and hidden locations
SNES and Super Famicom collection tracker
Hoshi no Isan — a Japanese-aesthetic space RPG in development
Pixel art life sim MMO — start at zero, build your life
AI-powered educational stories for kids
Japanese-aesthetic design tokens & AI-ready UI prompts
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.
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.