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
Hyogo
OkuninushiLocated in the Hyogo Prefecture, the Sō no Kataguchi-ichi Daisa Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated t...
View shrine →
Hyogo
HachimanLocated in the scenic town of Aioi, Hyogo Prefecture, Eight Gates Shrine is dedicated to the deity o...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Inari Okami, TsukiyomiLocated in Hyogo Prefecture, Sanbyoujinsha Shrine is dedicated to the worship of three major kami as...
View shrine →
Hyogo
nullNagato Shrine, also known as Naga-odoshi or Naka-jōdoshi, is a Shinto shrine located in Hyogo Prefec...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Inari OkamiLocated in Hyogo Prefecture, the Ōsai Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to Inari Okami, revered as...
View shrine →
Hyogo
RyujinLocated in Hyogo Prefecture, Snake Cave Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of snakes an...
View shrine →
Hyogo
OneOne original shrine in Hyogo Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of a single tree stump. According to...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Ōyamatsumi-no-kamiLocated in Hyogo Prefecture, Hatabushi Shrine is dedicated to the god of war and protection, Ōyamats...
View shrine →
Hyogo
OrochiBornose Shrine, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of birth and l...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Hachiman Okami平野八幡神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the Hyogo prefecture, dedicated to the god of prosperity...
View shrine →
Hyogo
HachimanThe Kurozu no Michi, or Kurozu Shrine in Tottori Prefecture was rebuilt at the current site in Hyogo...
View shrine →
Hyogo
ŌkuninushiLocated in the city of Aioi, Hyogo Prefecture, Tōshinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity o...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Tamamo-no-MaeLocated in the Settsu region of western Japan, Seiho-sha Shrine is dedicated to Tamamo-no-Mae, a leg...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Kazehana-no-KamiLocated in Hyogo Prefecture, Shimo-Tsuruga Shrine is dedicated to the enshrined kami of Fusami-no-Mi...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Shiranui-no-kamiLocated in the Hyogo prefecture, Shiranui no Mizu no Kami Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Hyogo
nullThe Eight Pillars Shrine, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Hyogo
RyujinLocated in the city of Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Ryukongu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Hyogo
IzudanaIzudana Jinja, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same nam...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Hachiman-gamiMie Shrine, dedicated to the gods of prosperity and good fortune, is a historic Shinto shrine locate...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Ise-jinja Taishiden is a Shinto shrine located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, dedicated to the Sun God...
View shrine →
Hyogo
AmaterasuDaya-jingu Shrine, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is one of the most prominent Shinto shrines in Japan...
View shrine →
Hyogo
nullLocated in the city of Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Spring Millet Shrine is dedicated to the god of rice...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Fukutoku-no-MikotoLocated in Hyogo Prefecture, the Settsu Bay Eight-High Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the go...
View shrine →
Hyogo
Giyu no KamiGiyu no Kami Shinto shrine is a sacred site in Hyogo Prefecture, dedicated to the enshrined kami of...
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.