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
Saitama
Shimosa no OkamiLocated in the historic town of Higashiyamato, Shimo-shinden Park and its main shrine, Kan'nen-ji Te...
View shrine →
Saitama
FujinLocated in the heart of Saitama, Shibukawa White Mountain Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Saitama
JūnaiThe Twelve Shrine (Jūnandaisha) in Saitama is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the twelve kami of the Ja...
View shrine →
Saitama
Five-no-kuni no Shinsho-ji is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the Five Regions, reflecting...
View shrine →
Saitama
Okami no MikotoLocated in the heart of Iwatsuki, Saitama Prefecture, the Eight Gates Shrine is a sacred Shinto site...
View shrine →
所沢市, 埼玉県
Koshimata OkamiLocated in the city of Sōsa, Saitama Prefecture, Sixokushinsha Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated t...
View shrine →
Saitama
Iwatsuki no Okami氷川女体神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kodaira, Saitama Prefecture, dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Saitama
Kumano OkamiKumano Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, dedicated to the deity of...
View shrine →
Saitama
Susanoo-no-Mikoto金刀比羅神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture. Dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Saitama
InariLocated in the heart of Saitama, Godai Inari Shrine is one of Japan's most well-known Shinto shrines...
View shrine →
Saitama
Fujinlocated in the town of Fussa, Saitama Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Fujin, god of win...
View shrine →
Saitama
InariLocated in the heart of Saitama, Akakusa Inari Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity of fertility...
View shrine →
Saitama
Susano-oThe White Mountain Shrine, located in the town of Takasaki in Saitama Prefecture, is dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Saitama
Nakayama HachimanLocated in the city of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, 39 Shishigahara Road is a historic shrine dedica...
View shrine →
Saitama
KiyohimeKatsuragi Shrine, located in the city of Tokorozawa in Saitama Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shint...
View shrine →
Saitama
HachimanLocated in the heart of Saitama, Eighteen Hands Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most prominent S...
View shrine →
Saitama
InariMatsuyama Shrine, dedicated to Inari Okami, is a revered Shinto site located in the heart of Saitama...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Saitama Prefecture, 柊稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami,...
View shrine →
Saitama
Ryūjin, FujinDay枝 Shrine, located in the town of Tokorozawa in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Saitama
Nagasewa Shrine, located in the town of Wakō in Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to...
View shrine →
Saitama
Yamatsumi no OkamiNinō-ji Shrine, located in Higashiyamato, Saitama Prefecture, is a unique Shinto shrine that combine...
View shrine →
Saitama
BenzaitenLocated in the prefecture of Saitama, the Maratsume Jikozen Temple is a Shinto shrine dedicated to B...
View shrine →
Saitama
ToshizōTadashiro Shrine in Saitama is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Toshizō, the guardian deity of farmers a...
View shrine →
Saitama
Tamayama no OkamiThe Koshinsha, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of weather and storms, is located in the heart...
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.