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
Tsukuyomi-no-Kami長洲天満宮 is a Shinto shrine located in the Suminoe district of Osaka, Japan. Dedicated to Tsukuyom...
View shrine →
Osaka
OkuninushiLocated in the Kansai region, 鞆呂岐神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi no kami, a god a...
View shrine →
Osaka
Hachiman OkamiNanba Hachiman-gu is a Shinto shrine in Osaka, dedicated to the god of war and protection, Hachiman...
View shrine →
Osaka
KubikozuchiKukudo Shrine, located in Osaka, is dedicated to the kami of good luck, prosperity, and protection....
View shrine →
Osaka
HachimanMountain Pass Shrine, located in Osaka Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of mountains and...
View shrine →
Osaka
Kasumigawa-oki-tamaWild River Water Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Osaka, dedicated to the kami of t...
View shrine →
Osaka
TenjinLocated in the Settsu region of Osaka, the Sata-no-tenjin Shrine is a historic Shinto site dedicated...
View shrine →
Osaka
Tamayamu大将軍社, located in Osaka, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of military victory and protection. The...
View shrine →
Osaka
Tsutsui-no-KamiTsutsui no Kami Shrine, dedicated to Tsutsui-no-Kami, a Shinto deity believed to reside in the regio...
View shrine →
尼崎市東園田町, Osaka
NamahageLocated in East Garden of Nishinaka-cho, Yodogawa Ward, Nishinaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture, Ship's Stow...
View shrine →
Osaka
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Osaka, the Yakuo-En Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of prospe...
View shrine →
Osaka
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Osaka, Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, de...
View shrine →
Osaka
null生島神社 is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Born Island in Osaka Bay, Japan. The shrine is...
View shrine →
Osaka
HachimanUzusa Hachiman Shrine in Osaka is a sacred site dedicated to the Shinto god of war, Hachiman. Establ...
View shrine →
吹田市, Osaka
IshinaiLocated in the city of Tsu, which is part of the former province of Kawachi, Ishinai Shrine has been...
View shrine →
Osaka
Hando-guchi no KamiLocated in the heart of Osaka, handoguchi-sha is a tranquil Shinto oasis that offers a serene escape...
View shrine →
御園2-14-1, Osaka
Sobamei (Blue Cloud God)Located in the heart of Osaka's Shitennoji Ward, 素藍鳴神社 (Sobamei-jinsha) is a historic Shinto sh...
View shrine →
Osaka
Naka-UzumeLocated in the heart of Osaka, the Eight Treasures Shrine is a revered Shinto site that dates back t...
View shrine →
Osaka
Tamayama-no-kami脇浜戎大社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Osaka, built in 718 during the Nara period. Ded...
View shrine →
Osaka
Okami/Hachiman多井畑厄除八幡宮 is a Shinto shrine located in Osaka, dedicated to the god of the sea and fertility,...
View shrine →
Osaka
ŌkuninushiLocated in the heart of Osaka, Rich Hill Shrine (富松神社) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami...
View shrine →
尼崎市, Osaka
InariKoyasan Daikannon-ji, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the great god Kofuku, located in Nishinomiya City...
View shrine →
尼崎市水堂町1-25-7, Osaka
Orihime, Urashima TaroThe Hon-den Shrine in Nishinaka-cho, Nishinashi City, Osaka Prefecture is a small but significant Sh...
View shrine →
Osaka
SusanooWater Pavilion Shrine, a Shinto temple dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, located in Osaka Pref...
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.