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
AkihitoAkihito Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Japanese prefecture of Saitama, dedicated to the ka...
View shrine →
Saitama
Hachiman OkamiLocated in the town of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to Hachiman Okami,...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Japan's technological capital, Saitama, Kōkoku Inari Taisha honors the kami...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Kamakura, Sanriku Inari Taisha is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines....
View shrine →
Saitama
InariLocated in the heart of Hitachi Oda, Saitama Prefecture, Naramaki Ichi no Kawa Shrine is a Shinto sh...
View shrine →
Saitama
InariLocated in the city of Saitama, the Taida Hime Inari Daikannon Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto dei...
View shrine →
Saitama
Tenzu-no-kamiLocated in the city of Takasaki, Saitama Prefecture, Tenzu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Saitama
Amaterasu Omikami, Tsukiyomi-gami, Susanoo-no-Mikoto三柱神社, located in the heart of Saitama Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of...
View shrine →
Saitama
KunitakeEstablished in 1876, Chieko-gu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Saitama Prefecture dedicated to...
View shrine →
Saitama
Amaterasu Omikami原山稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Iwatsuki, Saitama Prefecture. Dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Saitama
RyujinBai-den Shrine in Saitama Prefecture is a tranquil oasis nestled amidst the bustling cityscape. The...
View shrine →
Saitama
Enmei OkamiLocated in the heart of Saitama, Eight Slope Shrine is a sacred Shinto site revered by locals and vi...
View shrine →
Saitama
Susanoo-no-MikotoAkitsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Higashimachi, Saitama Prefecture. Dedicated...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiNingyo-yokocho, a lively entertainment district located near the entrance of Honegawa Shrine, is oft...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Saitama Prefecture,野々宮神社 is a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to the kam...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Saitama Prefecture, above (kami) Inari Shrine is a serene Shinto shrine dedi...
View shrine →
Saitama
InariTenshu-ja, a Shinto shrine in Saitama Prefecture dedicated to the kami of heaven and thunder. Founde...
View shrine →
Saitama
Inari OkamiThe Higashi-no-Megashima Shrine, also known as North Field Inari Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located...
View shrine →
Saitama
TenmanThis shrine, dedicated to Tenman-san, is located in the heart of Saitama Prefecture. As a Shinto shr...
View shrine →
Saitama
nullThe Kinzan Hongu-ji is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture. Dedica...
View shrine →
Saitama
nullLocated in the prefecture of Saitama, 高根神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to various kami, includi...
View shrine →
Saitama
Okuninushi no OkamiLocated in the heart of Japan's bustling capital, Tonogaya Shrine is a Shinto oasis dedicated to Oku...
View shrine →
Saitama
Oho no KamiLocated in the heart of Higashimatsuda, Saitama, is the Shrine of Lower Mieshima Ice River Kami, a r...
View shrine →
Saitama
Komachi摩訶山般若院六蛙堂, a Shinto shrine located in Saitama Prefecture, is dedicated to the enshrined dei...
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.