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
Ishikawa
HachimanLocated in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Ifriya-miya Hachimangū (若宮八幡神社) is one o...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
HachimanTsunishima Shrine, located on the northernmost part of the Tsu Island in Ishikawa Prefecture, is a s...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Kosha no tsuki yama no kamiLocated in the heart of Kanazawa City, White Mountain Shrine is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Inari OkamiKatora Inari Takamatsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Takatsuku, Ishikawa Prefecture, dedicate...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Tatsuoka OkamiTatsuoka Shrine, dedicated to the god of harvest and prosperity, is a significant Shinto site in Ish...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Located in the heart of Kanazawa, Eight Hills Shrine is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to the deity...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
GodaiLocated in the city of Kanazawa, Godai Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of rice, fert...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
TakaokamiAkibayashi Shrine, located in the city of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, is dedicated to the deiti...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Inari OkamiLocated in the city of Kanazawa, Fushimi Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, t...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
OkuninushiWhite Mountain Shrine, dedicated to the deity of Mt. Haku, is located in Ishikawa Prefecture. The sh...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Eishu TenjinLocated in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, 上恵土神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Eis...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
nullThe eight-storied pagoda at Eight Stairway Shrine in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a symbol of t...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
InariLocated in the city of Kanazawa, the Springtoryu Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shint...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Susanoo-no-mikotoLocated in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Hieizan Taisha Shrine is one of Japan's most prominent Shi...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
OkinariLocated in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Godai Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrin...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
HachimanFace Gate Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. The shrine's...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
InariIshikawa's Inari Shrine is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, with its origins tracing back to th...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
HachimanLocated in the heart of Kanazawa, Eight Horses Temple Shrine (Hachimangu) is a revered Shinto shrine...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Hakusan no OkamiGold Ridge Shrine, located in the Japanese Alps of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a lesser-known Shinto shr...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Kame no tsukai no kamiEar Shrine in Ishikawa Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto god of hearing and sound, Kame no tsuka...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Tamayamano Okami小泉神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Ishikawa Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of the Ono River a...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
OkuninushiOu-White Mountain Shrine, located in the mountains of Ishikawa Prefecture, is dedicated to Okuninush...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
Tsukiyomi no Kami春日神社, located in the heart of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to the su...
View shrine →
Ishikawa
ŌzumikoThe Ōzumi Shrine in Ishikawa Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Ōzumiko, who is rev...
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.