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
Ibaraki
EnmaLocated in the scenic town of Ibaraki, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a lesser-known yet charming Shinto...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Kofuku-no-KamiLocated in the city of Hitachino, Ibaraki Prefecture, North Direction Site Cavern Shrine honors Kofu...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Fudo Myo-oLocated in the prefecture of Ibaraki, the Shrine of the seated Buddha (地蔵菩薩立像) is a Shinto shr...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Kamado-no-OyamatsumiLocated in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Dayo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kogan-Do-ko Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedi...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Ōsaka, Kōtsū, InariThe Ōsaka Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of sake and wine pro...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariFourmound Inari Shrine, located in the Ibaraki prefecture, is one of Japan's most ancient shrines, w...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiIndra Shrine, located in the town of Tomida in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine that enshrines...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari ŌkamiLocated in the town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Inari Okamoto Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicate...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariMount Sakakibara Inari Shrine, located in the scenic town of Daigo in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicat...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
ŌgamiThe seven villages Shinto Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a revered site dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Amaterasu OmikamiThe Mito Shrine, located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun g...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiIshibashi Shrine, located in the city of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to I...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Tachibana no OkamiHigh Oak Shrine, located in the Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of the high oak tree. T...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiHigh-bashi-mori Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the historic town of High-bashi, Ibaraki...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
MasakiMasaki Shrine, located in the scenic town of Ryugasaki in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the ka...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
中里諏訪神社, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Kami of the region....
View shrine →
Ibaraki
TsukuyomiLocated in the heart of Hitachi Seaside Park, Dayu Soshoguen is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the dei...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
nullAncient Todaiji Temple and its adjacent shrines were once major centers of Shinto worship in the reg...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
DinzangLocated in the scenic town of Nikko, Dinzang Inari Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the wor...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiChinabu Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Nihari, Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariThe Jūgasan Inari Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture is one of the most famous shrines dedicated to Inari,...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
nullLong Myoshin Shrine, located in the city of Hitachi-ozuka in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
ŌkuninushiLocated in the city of Hitachi, Odaiba Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Ōkuninushi, w...
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.