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
Hokkaido
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Sapporo, the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, Obihi...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Ryugu-no-KamiLocated in Hokkaido, the Ryugun Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the Dragon God (Ryugu-no-Kami...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
SusanooThe Tori-kaeru-jinja, or Crane Shrine in English, is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Hokkaid...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Taka no TsukiTakeda Shrine, located in the heart of Abashiri, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Taka no Tsuki, the...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Tsurugi-yoshizumiFlora Garden Shrine, located in Sapporo's Susukino district, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kam...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Okunari-hime小野幌神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the Otaru region of Hokkaido, Japan. Dedicated to the kami...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Hirosaki no ŌnokamiLocated in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Nisei Iwa Shrine is dedicated to the god of fire and iro...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Located in the scenic town of Shiraoi, Hokkaido, 折戸神社奥の院 is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Ōsima no OkamiLocated in the scenic city of Otaru, Hokkaido, 士幌神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Ōs...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Nose-no-kamiLocated in the scenic town of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Upper Nose Shrine is a serene Shinto site...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Located in the scenic town of Rumonge, Rausu-gun, Hokkaido, the Eikatsuraoji Shrine is a Shinto shri...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Usuppari no KamiLocated in the heart of Hokkaido, Upper Servant God Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Genmei Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice an...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Inari OkamiFukurodani Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, dedicated to the worship of...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Okami厳島神社 is a Shinto shrine located on Rishiri Island, part of the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Okuninushi-no-kamiLocated in the heart of Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, is the Happiness Shrine, dedicated to...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
SusanooTakahashi Shrine, located in the southern part of Hokkaido's capital city Sapporo, is one of the old...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Manyo-betsuLocated in the heart of Hokkaido, Manyo-betsu-jinja Shrine is dedicated to the kami of the same name...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city, Toyokuchi Shrine is dedicated to the deifi...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Threefold Deity, a combination of Amaterasu, Susanoo, and Kaguya-himeLocated in the scenic Lake Toya, Five-Heaven Mountain Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the wor...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Located in the heart of rural Hokkaido, Upper Hand Rice Shrine is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedic...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
HachimanLocated in the southern island of Hokkaido, Ishikari Hachiman Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shr...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Ebisu-gamiLocated in the eastern part of Hokkaido, Stone Fence Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami...
View shrine →
Hokkaido
Outakujina Shrine, dedicated to the sea kami Outakujin, is a historic Shinto shrine located in Koyur...
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.