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
Wakamiya Shrine
Kochi
Wakamiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kochi Prefecture. The name 'Wakamiya' literally means...
View shrine →
Wakamiya Shrine
Kochi
A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to young deities or child gods, following the traditio...
View shrine →
Wakamiya Shrine
Kochi
Wakamiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kochi Prefecture. The name 'Wakamiya' literally means...
View shrine →
Warei Shrine
Kochi
Yamauchi KazutoyoA Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Yamauchi Kazutoyo, the first daimyo of Tosa Domain....
View shrine →
Warei Shrine
Kochi
Yamashiro-no-kami HidemuneWarei Shrine is dedicated to Yamashiro-no-kami Hidemune, a retainer of the Todo clan who died unjust...
View shrine →
Watatsu Shrine
Kochi
Watatsumi no KamiA Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Watatsumi no Kami, the ancient Japanese sea deity....
View shrine →
Watatsu-mi Shrine
Kochi
Watatsumi-no-Kami (sea deity)A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Watatsumi-no-Kami, the ancient Japanese sea deity....
View shrine →
Watatsumi Shrine (Ryuoguu)
Kochi
Watatsumi-no-Kami (sea deity)A shrine dedicated to Watatsumi-no-Kami, the Shinto deity of the sea. Also known as Ryuoguu (Dragon...
View shrine →
Watatsuumi Shrine
Kochi
Watatsumi-no-kami (sea deity)A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Watatsumi-no-kami, the ancient Japanese deity of th...
View shrine →
Yama no Kami Shrine
Kochi
Mountain deityA local mountain shrine dedicated to Yama no Kami, the Shinto deity of mountains and forests. These...
View shrine →
Yama Shrine
Kochi
Mountain deityA Shinto shrine dedicated to mountain worship, reflecting the deep spiritual connection between Japa...
View shrine →
Yamato Shrine
Kochi
A local Shinto shrine located in Kochi Prefecture, serving the spiritual needs of the surrounding co...
View shrine →
Yamauchi Shrine
Kochi
A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to the Yamauchi clan, the former daimyo family that ru...
View shrine →
Yanagi Tenno Shrine
Kochi
Susanoo-no-MikotoA Tenno shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, following the tradition of shrine...
View shrine →
Yasaka Shrine
Kochi
Susanoo-no-MikotoA Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, following the Gion faith traditi...
View shrine →
Yasaka Shrine
Kochi
Susanoo-no-MikotoYasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm god a...
View shrine →
Yasaka Shrine
Kochi
Susanoo-no-MikotoA Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm deity and brother of A...
View shrine →
Yasaka Shrine
Kochi
Susanoo-no-MikotoYasaka Shrine in Kochi Prefecture is a local Shinto shrine dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm...
View shrine →
Yasaka Shrine
Kochi
Susanoo-no-MikotoYasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm god a...
View shrine →
Yasaka Shrine
Kochi
Susanoo-no-MikotoYasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm god a...
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.