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
Ibaraki
Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Kahoen-jinja Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of cough...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
RyujinNikko's Bear Mountain Shrine, dedicated to Ryujin, the Dragon God of the Sea, is a prominent Shinto...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Imamiya Shrine, located in the scenic coastal town of Namie in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a revered Shin...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
TsukuyomiKashima Shrine, located in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Tametarasan no OkamiHigh Tail Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god of fertility and prosperity, is located in Ibaraki Pre...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Tamashii no kamiLocated in the town of Kamohara, Ibaraki Prefecture, 住吉四所神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Tsuru-oki-no-kamiTsuru-oki-no-kami Shrine, located in the town of Omitomo, Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the go...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
nullLocated in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, White Mountain Shrine is one of Japan's oldest S...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Located in the town of Ryugasaki, Ibaraki Prefecture, 鍬田神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the k...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Yamatano OkamiLocated in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, Yamato no Okami Shrine is a Shinto site dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariThe Kokeshima Inari Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
nullToshogu-ji Shrine, located in the town of Kamakura, was originally built as a Shinto shrine dedicate...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inu TanumaLocated in the town of Daigandō, Ibaraki Prefecture, Shinto Shrine of Inu Tanuma is a small but hist...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
ŌgamiyaLocated in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Ōgamiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to various kami, incl...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
nullLocated in the rural town of Omitama, Ibaraki Prefecture, Hoko Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated t...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Located in the town of Omitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Haidashinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Yoshitsune no OkamiHigh Forest Shrine, located in the Higashiyatsushiro District of Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
OkamisanLocated in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, the Shiranamiyama's smaller sister is the serene and pea...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
OkuninushiLocated in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, Kumakura Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deit...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Susanoo-no-MikotoWhite Mountain Shrine, located in the coastal city of Kamakura, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Sus...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Tsukiyomi and RaijinRain Goddess Tsukiyomi and Storm God Raijin are revered at Rainy Victory Shrine, a Shinto shrine in...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
RyūjinLocated in the prefecture of Ibaraki,雷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Ryūjin, the dra...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
HachimanLocated in the town of Katsura, Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight-Horned Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
FujinboLocated in the scenic town of Kashima,鹿島神社 is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicat...
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.