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
君津市, 千葉県
Susanoo, InasakuLocated in the city of Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture, San'emon-jinja Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated...
View shrine →
Chiba
Located in the scenic town of Eniwa, Chiba Prefecture, Dayei Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicat...
View shrine →
君津市, 千葉県
Haruoka-tsuchi-no-kamiLocated in Kinzu City, Chiba Prefecture, Kama no Yama Haruoka Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to...
View shrine →
Chiba
Ō-no-mikoto厳島神社 is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Izu Ōshima in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Dedicate...
View shrine →
南房総市, 千葉県
InariThe Inari Shrine in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines dedicat...
View shrine →
Chiba
Susanoo-no-MikotoLocated in the city of Chigasaki, Chiba Prefecture, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is a Shinto shrine de...
View shrine →
Chiba
Toyosu OkamiToyosu Shrine, located in the southern part of Chiba Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
館山市, 千葉県
Located in Tsukudani, Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, the Kamiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to...
View shrine →
館山市, 千葉県
TonokamiTonosawa Shrine, located in Chiba Prefecture's Kamakura City, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the go...
View shrine →
Chiba
nullRakuchou-ji Shrine, located in the town of Katsuta, Chiba Prefecture, is one of the oldest Shinto sh...
View shrine →
南房総市, 千葉県
Ninjō no Ō no Kami平舘天神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of 南房総市, 千葉県. The shrine's primary kami is...
View shrine →
Chiba
SusanooThis Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the rice god Susanoo, is located in t...
View shrine →
南房総市, 千葉県
OkamiLocated in Sōgō, Chiba Prefecture, Nihonmatsu-ji Heike Shrine is dedicated to the spirit of Minamoto...
View shrine →
Chiba
Amaterasu OmikamiLocated in the heart of Chiba Prefecture, Ise Grand Shrine is one of Japan's most iconic Shinto shri...
View shrine →
南房総市, 千葉県
Located in the scenic town of Nihonmatsu, below is a brief overview of下立松原神社 in千葉県.
View shrine →
Chiba
Godai Shinto Shrine, located in the city of Chiba, is dedicated to the kami of learning and knowledg...
View shrine →
睦沢町, 千葉県
Amaterasu OmikamiLocated in Tsukasaewa-cho, Chiba Prefecture, San no Miru Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japa...
View shrine →
鴨川市, 千葉県
ŌkuninushiThe Shitennō-ji Shrine, located in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shitenno (Ten Emp...
View shrine →
Chiba
Tsukuda no OkamiTsukuda Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Tsudzuka, Chiba Prefecture, which was once a major port...
View shrine →
鴨川市, 千葉県
OkuninushiLocated in Chiba Prefecture, the Shinto shrine of Ōden Kaichō no Okami is dedicated to Okuninushi, t...
View shrine →
Chiba
Tenjinlocated in Chiba Prefecture, 磯村八幡神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of good fortune an...
View shrine →
鴨川市, 千葉県
Ryūjin no KamiLocated in Chiba Prefecture, Ryōgoku Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of rice, sake, a...
View shrine →
Chiba
Inari ŌkamiAddo River Shrine, located in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of th...
View shrine →
鴨川市, 千葉県
Okami厳島神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Ōmura, Chiba Prefecture, known for its association with the Ō...
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.