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
Osaka
TenjinLocated in the heart of Osaka, Arakawa Tenjin Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to the de...
View shrine →
Osaka
Futsunoyama HachimanMiddle-aged woman worshipping at the shrine with offerings of sake and incense, while an elderly man...
View shrine →
Osaka
HachimanLocated in Osaka, the Eightfold Shrine (Hachimangū) is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines. De...
View shrine →
Osaka
Susanoo no Kami愛宕神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Osaka, dedicated to Amaterasu Ōmikami, the Shint...
View shrine →
Osaka
Located in the heart of Osaka, Daitsu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine that dates back to the 7th...
View shrine →
Osaka
味舌天満宮 is a Shinto shrine located in Osaka, Japan, dedicated to the god of taste, smell, and app...
View shrine →
Osaka
Amaterasu Omikami and Susanoo-no-MikotoLocated in the heart of Osaka, Light Pond Shrine (Gokumonotsukamiya) is a historic Shinto shrine ded...
View shrine →
Osaka
Kukuri KamonKinko-tenman Shrine, located in Osaka, is dedicated to Kukuri Kamon, the guardian deity of travelers...
View shrine →
Osaka
OkamiKawakami Shrine, located in the Kita-ku ward of Osaka, is a Shinto shrine that has been an important...
View shrine →
Osaka
Takamagahara Okami no OkamiThe Residence of the Sun God Shrine, located in Osaka's Kita-ku ward, is one of Japan's oldest and m...
View shrine →
Osaka
This Shinto shrine, dedicated to the kami of a rice warehouse, is located in the heart of Osaka's hi...
View shrine →
Osaka
HachimanMusto no Oe Sengen Taisha is a Shinto shrine located in Osaka's Higashi-sakai ward, dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Osaka
Tama no OkamiLocated in Osaka, 若宮神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the legendary Princess Yang Kwei-fo and P...
View shrine →
Osaka
Located in Osaka, the Seven Temples Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the seven gods of good fo...
View shrine →
Osaka
AmaterasuResidence of God Shrine, located in Osaka's Minatojima district, is dedicated to the sun goddess Ama...
View shrine →
Osaka
Yamato no OkamiThis ancient Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sea god Yamato no Okami and the protector of ports and...
View shrine →
Osaka
Amaterasu Ōmikami (sun goddess), Susanoo no Mikoto (storm god), Inazuma no Kami (god of rice)Located in Osaka, Ōmiya Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the 7th century. Ded...
View shrine →
Osaka
InariCantoku Inari Shrine in Osaka is dedicated to the Shinto kami of rice, prosperity, and good fortune....
View shrine →
Osaka
Umi-no-KamiLocated in the heart of Osaka, Pōta Jinja Shrine is a revered Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of...
View shrine →
Osaka
HachimanLocated in the heart of Osaka, the Takaoka Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the Tak...
View shrine →
岸和田市, 大阪府
Enma沼天神宮 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kanbe, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Osaka
HachimanLocated in the heart of Osaka, Ifukuji Shrine, also known as Wakamiya Hachiman-gu, is a Shinto shrin...
View shrine →
Osaka
Amaterasu Ōmikami愛宛神社, located in Osaka's Kita-ku, is a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Amaterasu Ō...
View shrine →
松原市, 大阪府
Myodojyo is a Shinto shrine located in Matsubara city, Osaka prefecture. It is dedicated to Fudo Myo...
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.