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
Akita
Inari興次郎稲荷神社, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of...
View shrine →
Akita
Inari OkamiRyuzenji Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, revered...
View shrine →
Akita
HachimanLocated in Akita Prefecture, the Eight-Horned Shrine (Hachimantai) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to H...
View shrine →
Akita
Inari Ōno-mikotoLocated in the city of Yokote, Akita Prefecture, Ryōsha Yokohe Jinmyōjin Taisha is a Shinto shrine d...
View shrine →
Akita
The Godai Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agricultur...
View shrine →
Akita
InariIndohara Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and ag...
View shrine →
Akita
San-giLocated in the heart of Akita City, 三吉神社 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of th...
View shrine →
Akita
Hiyoyuki-no-KamiLocated in the heart of Akita, the god of fertility and agriculture, Hiyoyuki-no-Kami is enshrined a...
View shrine →
Akita
Inari Okami, Saigū InariLocated in the historic city of Akita, the Ōgataji Inari Shrine is dedicated to two prominent kami:...
View shrine →
Akita
Kinroji Shrine in Akita Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto god Kinro, often referred to as Kinryu...
View shrine →
Akita
Tenjin, Akita no KamadoLocated in the Akita Prefecture, Tenman-kyo is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Buddhist deity of me...
View shrine →
Akita
Inezaki-no-kamiRinzuizan Inezaidatsumyoo Temple is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the de...
View shrine →
Akita
Located in Akita Prefecture, Hon-dō Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of agr...
View shrine →
Akita
Hasedera Temple is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of Kukai, a...
View shrine →
Akita
Sakahama-no-okami八坂神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the deity of Mount Sakuradera,...
View shrine →
Akita
KusunokamiIndegohara Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of rice an...
View shrine →
Akita
Resha-ki Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the deity of prosperity...
View shrine →
Akita
Yakishiro no KamiLocated in Akita Prefecture, 屋敷神 (Yakishiro no Kami) Shrine is a Shinto site dedicated to the kam...
View shrine →
Akita
Susanoo-no-MikotoFukushima Jinmyo is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Akita city, dedicated to the kami of fir...
View shrine →
Akita
InariLocated in Akita Prefecture, the Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, a kami of rice and fertil...
View shrine →
Akita
Located in Akita Prefecture, 磯前神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same name, bel...
View shrine →
Akita
HachimanMiyatsuki Shrine, located in the heart of Akita City, is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the go...
View shrine →
Akita
Located in the heart of Akita Prefecture,東舘神社 (Tozawa Shrine) is a historic Shinto shrine dedica...
View shrine →
Akita
Inari OkitsuhikoThe Dewa Sanzan's Inari Okitsuhiko Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated...
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.