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
Shiga
KanoyamahotoKanoyama Shrine, located in the town of Yasu in Shiga Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Shiga
HachimanLocated in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Oak Eight-Bend Temple is a small but historic Shi...
View shrine →
Shiga
Flower Wall Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of blooming flowers and sp...
View shrine →
Shiga
Located in the Nagahama city of Shiga Prefecture, Shinoda Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Shiga
Inari OkamiLocated in the city of Nagahama, Tanuma Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami...
View shrine →
Shiga
AmaterasuLocated in the Katsura River valley, Ifukuyanaya Shrine, also known as Omi-若宮神社, is a Shinto shr...
View shrine →
Shiga
TakemikazuchiAutumn leaves in full bloom at Katsurahama Shrine, a popular sight in spring and autumn, signal the...
View shrine →
Shiga
Located in the city of Shirako, Shiga Prefecture, Kumano Shrine is one of Japan's most revered and a...
View shrine →
Shiga
Amaterasu OmikamiThe Dayo Shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, is a revered Shinto site located in...
View shrine →
Shiga
Hachiman, Susanoo, Inazuma, Fujin, Raijin, Enma, Hikoboshi, BishamonLocated in the city of Omi, Shiga Prefecture, Hieizan Eight Saints Shrine is a prominent Shinto shri...
View shrine →
Shiga
Inari OkamiLocated in the city of Omiya, Shiga Prefecture, Fushimi Inari Taisha Okuriseru is a sacred Shinto si...
View shrine →
Shiga
InariTada no-chi-ya Shrine, located in the heart of Shiga Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicat...
View shrine →
Shiga
OshimaruHigashi-ya Shrine, dedicated to the kami of the west wind and the god of the sea, is a historic Shin...
View shrine →
Shiga
HikoboshiWater and Fire Shrine, dedicated to the kami of water and fire, located in the city of Hikone, Shiga...
View shrine →
Shiga
nullLocated in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Tamamo no Miyako Shrine is dedicated to the legen...
View shrine →
Shiga
Located in the town of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Yamajo Shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits o...
View shrine →
Shiga
InariLocated in the city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Ifuka-ji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the g...
View shrine →
Shiga
Gokazahana OniGokazahana-jinja is a Shinto shrine located in Nishi-izu, Shiga Prefecture, and is dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Shiga
SusanooLocated in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a revered Shinto site ded...
View shrine →
Shiga
Jukai氷解神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Omi-Hachiman, Shiga Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of J...
View shrine →
Shiga
Tsukuyomi小田神社, located in the picturesque town of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, is a well-preserved example...
View shrine →
Shiga
Emperor JimmuLocated in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Ninomiyajinsha Hongu-den is a historic Shinto shr...
View shrine →
Shiga
Two-no-kamiTwo-no-miya-jinsha is a Shinto shrine located in Echizen, Shiga Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of...
View shrine →
Shiga
TakemikazuchiLocated in the scenic Lake Biwa region of Shiga Prefecture, 鷺森神社御旅所 (Sasayama Shrine) is a pi...
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.