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
TamashakuTamasaku Shrine, located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a serene Shinto temple dedicated to...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Ō-no-MikotoHigh Forest Shrine, located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a serene Shinto sanctuary dedicat...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Tamagawa-saienLocated in the town of Chosa, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tamagawa-saien Shinto Shrine is dedicated to the k...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Small KamiSmall Rock Shrine, dedicated to the kami of rocks and stones, is located in the hills of Ibaraki Pre...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Small but historic Shinto shrine located in the town of Minamihashiri, Ibaraki Prefecture. Built in...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
AmaterasuDayo Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of agriculture...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
The sixth shrine in Japan, Shimo no Jinja is dedicated to the Shinto deity Hachiman, the god of war...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
大間木氷川神社, located in the picturesque town of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine that...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiWest Palace Inari Shrine, located in the beautiful coastal town of Futatsu, Ibaraki Prefecture, is o...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
HachimanLocated in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, Akakawa Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Hachiman,...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
HachimanLocated in the town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Shodenji-ku Shindenmatsu no Mika no Hachiman-gu...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Shirogami no OkamiWhite Beard Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice a...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
FutsuginuFuyutsugi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami, Hiryu and Futsuginu, who are believed to...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Agematsu Inari Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto goddess of fertility...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Ryujin, Inari OkamiSetoasakishi Shinto shrine is a historic Shinto temple in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the kami...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
KagutsuchiLocated in the Ibaraki Prefecture, Dayo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the fores...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariKisai-jinja Shrine, located in the Kisai District of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicate...
View shrine →
Aomori
Yata-no-kamiAkita-Yama Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto kami of mountains and forests, is located in Aomori Prefe...
View shrine →
Aomori
Hachiman平舘神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Aomori City, dedicated to the kami of good luck...
View shrine →
Aomori
Mount IwakiHeiwa-ji Temple, also known as Heiwajima Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in Aomori Prefecture. De...
View shrine →
Aomori
Susanoo-no-MikotoLocated in Aomori Prefecture, Eight Happiness Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the storm god S...
View shrine →
Aomori
HachimanCitate Eight-Hour Shrine, located in Aomori Prefecture, is one of the most famous Shinto shrines ded...
View shrine →
Aomori
RyujinRishiri Island Shrine, located in Aomori Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the...
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.