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
Inari Okami阿豆佐味天神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Hiki, Saitama Prefecture. Dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Saitama
nullTachikawa Water Heaven Palace, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the go...
View shrine →
Saitama
Uke Mochilocated in the city of Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Uke...
View shrine →
Saitama
Fujin, Tsukiyomi-no-kami, InariLocated in the city of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to various deities...
View shrine →
Saitama
The Ōsumi Shrine in Saitama Prefecture is dedicated to the god of water, Hikohōmyōjin, a kami associ...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari ŌkamiThe Shichiyō Inari Shrine in Saitama, Japan is a renowned Shinto shrine dedicated to the rice god, I...
View shrine →
Saitama
HachimanNew Kureyamagawa Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Saitama prefecture, and is dedica...
View shrine →
Saitama
InariIndra's Shrine, located in the heart of Japan, is one of the oldest and most famous Shinto shrines d...
View shrine →
Saitama
nullLocated in Saitama Prefecture, 疱瘡神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of boils or ulcers...
View shrine →
Saitama
Yamawo InariLocated in the historic city of Kawagoe, Yamawo Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the dei...
View shrine →
Saitama
Mizu no KamiLocated in the heart of Saitama, the Mizu no Kami shrine is a serene and peaceful oasis that pays tr...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Tokyo's historic district, Tangagawa Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicat...
View shrine →
Saitama
Sakatani RyujinLocated in Saitama Prefecture, Sukagahara Shrine is dedicated to the god of war and martial arts, Sa...
View shrine →
Saitama
BishamonThe Eight-Horned Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Bishamon, r...
View shrine →
Saitama
Amaterōsukuni-no-kami no Okami HachimanTōshōdai-jinja, or Tōshōdai Shrine, is located in Ōmiya, Saitama Prefecture. Dedicated to the sun go...
View shrine →
Saitama
InariThe Todai-ji-like shrine at Shonan's Iizuka, known as the 'Grand Shrine of Enshrined Amamiya no Okun...
View shrine →
Saitama
ŌsafuneThe Tomi Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and...
View shrine →
Saitama
Tohoku-sanThe Tohoku-san Shrine in Saitama Prefecture is dedicated to the god of rice and fertility, known as...
View shrine →
Saitama
Sugawara no MichizaneLocated in the heart of Tokyo's western suburbs, Toshio Shrine is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to...
View shrine →
Saitama
Located in the scenic town of Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Daijōjinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicat...
View shrine →
Saitama
FūjinLocated in the prefecture of Saitama, Japan's eighth-largest city, Hikarino-cho Eight-Horsemanship S...
View shrine →
Saitama
Tsukuyomi-no-kamiReiji-cho Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Dedic...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiThe Inari Shrine in Saitama Prefecture is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Saitama, Zenkōen Inari Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the deit...
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.