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
Kanagawa
Inari OkamiThe Inari Okura Shrine, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
Yoritomo-san Kami小嶽社 is a Shinto shrine located in Kanagawa Prefecture, known for its historic significance as the...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
ShitennōThe Shitennō-ji, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the mythic...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
En no GoshoLocated in the Hakone region of Kanagawa, 左末社 (Sasahime) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
Ōtsubo no Tsuchi-ya no KamiLocated in the Minato ward of Yokohama, the Shiname Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Ōtsubo no...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
Ryujin, FutsunokamiLocated in the city of Yokohama, Hamabashi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the sea...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
InariThe Inari Shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture is one of the most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the go...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
InazumanokamiLocated in the city of Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, 御獄神社 (Okuruma Shrine) is a Shinto shrine d...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
Sugiyama no OkamiLocated in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Sugiyama-daijin is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
SusanooThe Shitennō-ji Shrine is a historic Buddhist temple and one of the oldest temples in Japan, founded...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
AnpuAnpuru Shrine, located in the Kanagawa Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Anpu, the god of...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
InariLocated in Kamakura, the Toyosu Orchard Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice a...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
Amaterasu ŌmikamiLocated in the heart of Kawachi, Kanagawa, Chūbatsu-jinja Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary dedicated to...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
TenjinLocated in the city of Fujisawa, the Honmaru-ji Silver Washing Shrine, or 'Sembashi Tenjin', is a re...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
ToyosaiThe shrine of Toyosai Inari, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of ric...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, the Eight Kings Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship o...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
nullLocated in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Kofuku Shrine is dedicated to the god of wealth and prospe...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
InariLocated in the Kanagawa Prefecture, Mount Saigetsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okam...
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.