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
TametomoLocated in the town of Katsuragisan, Ibaraki Prefecture, 戸ヶ崎香取神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Take Mikoto氷川神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Katsuura, Ibaraki Prefecture, known as one of Jap...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
High Tatara HimegamiHigh Tatara Inari Shrine, located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a tranquil Shinto sanctuary...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
OkinariLocated in the scenic town of Minamisato, in Ibaraki Prefecture, Taiwa-guchi Shrine is a historic Sh...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Kodama no OkamiLocated in Ibaraki Prefecture, 子易神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of luck and prosperi...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Kashitoga Shrine, located in the heart of Kashitoga Park, is a serene Shinto site situated in Ibarak...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Susanoo-no-MikotoLocated in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight-Horned Shrine is one of Japan's oldest Shi...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Takamori ŌmuraLocated in the town of Katsurao, Ibaraki Prefecture, 鞴韜神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Takamo...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Hōdō or KodamaThe Hōdō-jinsha Shrine, located in the city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedic...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
DayaLocated in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight Hills Spring Daya Shrine is a revered Shinto site...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Susanoo no MikotoLocated in the town of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
nullRight京塚神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Omitama, Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Futsunami-no-kamiLocated in the city of Sakurakubo, Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight Staircase Shrine is a Shinto shrine ded...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
DayoDayo Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture. Dedicated to Dayo K...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariLocated in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Ise Grand Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines and...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Tsukinai-OkamiLocated in the town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tsukinaiju-sha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to T...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
ŌtohimeThe Asamatsu Daimyōjin Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the sea...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Furutogawa Okami, Eight Face KamiFurutogawa Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of good lu...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
RyujinWater Shrine, a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of water and fishing in Ibaraki Prefecture. The...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
BenzaitenLocated in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Bensui-den is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Benza...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Amaterasu Omikami厳島神社, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines. Dedicated to...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Biro no kamiLocated in the scenic town of Nihonmatsu, Kinjido Biro no kami Shinto shrine honors the god of sword...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Hachiman ŌkamiLocated in the scenic town of Itoshima, Ibaraki Prefecture, Matsubō no Jūkun no Shin shrine is dedic...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
RaijinTaito Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of thunder and...
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.