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
Amaterasu Omikami and Hachiman OkamiDaito-ji Shrine is one of the most revered Shinto shrines in Japan, located in the heart of Osaka's...
View shrine →
Osaka
Danbo-no-KamiDanbo Shrine, located in Osaka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the Danbo regi...
View shrine →
Osaka
HachimanLocated in the heart of Osaka, Kūka-ryōan Hachiman-gu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war...
View shrine →
Osaka
Susanoo-no-MikotoLocated in the heart of Osaka, Big Spade Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified...
View shrine →
Osaka
ŌkuninushiLocated in the heart of Osaka,湊屋住吉神社 is a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Izanagi...
View shrine →
Osaka
HachimanLocated in the heart of Osaka,栄徳稲荷 Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrin...
View shrine →
Osaka
Wisdom / Good Fortune吉志部神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Osaka, dedicated to the kami of wisdom and good fortune. Th...
View shrine →
Osaka
The Wako-tsumi Shrine, located in Osaka, is dedicated to the kami of war and strategy. It is believe...
View shrine →
Osaka
HachimanLocated in Osaka, Ifukuji Shrine is one of the oldest and most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, dedic...
View shrine →
Osaka
Susano-oMatsushita Shrine, located in Osaka Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Matsushi...
View shrine →
Osaka
Suzu-no-kami, Umi-mikotoUzunami Shrine, located in the southern part of Osaka Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedica...
View shrine →
Osaka
Inari OkamiLongitana Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Osaka Prefecture, dedicated to the deity Inari Okami,...
View shrine →
Osaka
HachimanLocated in the heart of Osaka, Eight Swords Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami Hachiman...
View shrine →
Osaka
EnmaGood Tree Temple Spring Day Shrine is a Shinto temple located in Osaka, dedicated to the kami of spr...
View shrine →
Osaka
Mustu-masamahōjinsha is a Shinto shrine located in Osaka, dedicated to the kami of the same name, be...
View shrine →
Osaka
InariLocated in the heart of Osaka, 龖神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity...
View shrine →
Osaka
Takamatsu Hachiman古箕輪八幡宮 is a Shinto shrine located in Osaka, known for its unique history dating back to the He...
View shrine →
Osaka
Tadanobu角田神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Osaka, dedicated to the kami of the same name. T...
View shrine →
Osaka
Toyokuni OkamiThe Toyokuni Shrine in Osaka is dedicated to the god of wealth and prosperity, Toyokuni Okami, as we...
View shrine →
Osaka
Inari OkamiTrue Hands Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, patron of fertility, agricu...
View shrine →
Osaka
nullDuuben Shrine, located in Osaka Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto kami Duuben. Little is known...
View shrine →
Osaka
The Namiya Shrine in Osaka is dedicated to the two sons of the Emperor Kinmei, who died during a bat...
View shrine →
Osaka
SusanooThe Eightfold Shrine, located in the heart of Osaka, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of pro...
View shrine →
Osaka
Okuninushi Ō-no-mikotoLocated in the Higashinara District of Osaka, Ōno Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi 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.