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
Nagasaki
InariLocated in Nagasaki, South Korea is not accurate, as the location in Japan is; the Nanshan or South...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
Dosa-no-kamiLocated in the heart of Nagasaki, the Dosa Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
HachimanThis Shinto shrine in Nagasaki Prefecture is dedicated to the kami of rice fields and the patron dei...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
Tsukiyomi-no-Kami, Benten-shinnyo-ga-hoshino-yashiro-gamiMiddle Island Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on the island of Middle Island, Nagasaki Prefecture....
View shrine →
Nagasaki
Susanoo-no-MikotoThe copper-hat shrine, located in the heart of Nagasaki, is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
HachimanTategawa Shrine, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is dedicated to Tategawa Hachiman, a Shinto deity b...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
Inari OkamiLocated in Nagasaki, Matsushima Inari Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami, revered a...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
HokoLonger Shrine, Longer History: 長崎縣護國神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Jap...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
MichizaneLocated in the heart of Nagasaki's historic district, Satsuki-machi-tenmangu Shrine is a stunning ex...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
Located in the city of Nagasaki, Water God Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of water...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
HachimanLocated in the heart of Nagasaki Prefecture, Middlekawara Hachimangu Shrine is a prominent Shinto sh...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
Shiroishi no KamiScrolling stones are a distinctive feature of the Shiroishi Taikannon Shrine in Nagasaki, where visi...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
Tatsu no OkamiThe Bird Altar Shrine, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is dedicated to the enshrined deity Tatsu no...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
InariLocated in Nagasaki, the Inari Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most famous Shinto shrines dedica...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
KinpuKinpu-dera Shinshu, a Shinto shrine located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is dedicated to the deity Kinpu,...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
BenzaitenLocated in the heart of Nagasaki, the Shichimen-dō is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshr...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
Tsukiyomi-no-kamiTsukimiya-gu Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Nagasaki, dedicated to the goddess Tsukiyomi-no-kami, the...
View shrine →
対馬市, 長崎県
Amaterasu Okami, Ōno-machi-gami, ŌkuninushiLocated on the island of Shodoshima, Sea Goddess Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
南島原市, Nagasaki
GinyuThe Onsen Shrine in Nagasaki's Southern Island of Kyushu is a serene Shinto sanctuary dedicated to t...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
BenzaitenLocated in the heart of Nagasaki, Tenman-ji Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of the...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
TakamagaharashiLocated in the heart of Nagasaki, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is one of Japan's most famous and influenti...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
HachimanThe Eight-Horsemenu Shrine, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
HachimanLocated in the city of Nagasaki, Eight Cloud Shrine is dedicated to the deities believed to watch ov...
View shrine →
Nagasaki
Ryujin, FujinLocated in Nagasaki, Richo Shrine is dedicated to the god of the sea and fertility, Ryujin, as well...
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.