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
Shiga
KasugaiLocated in the town of Katsuyama, Shiga Prefecture, 鞍岡神社 (Kasugai Shrine) is a revered Shinto sh...
View shrine →
Shiga
Susanoo-no-MikotoThe Ishibashi Shrine in Shiga Prefecture is a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Susanoo-n...
View shrine →
Shiga
Hane no KamiLocated in the Edo period, Shirō Shrine in Shiga Prefecture is a small but historic Shinto shrine de...
View shrine →
Shiga
TsukuyomiDayotsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, known for its scenic beauty...
View shrine →
Shiga
HachimanHachiman Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god of war and victory, is a prominent site in Japan. Found...
View shrine →
Shiga
Hachiman-gamiLocated in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, 足柄神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god...
View shrine →
Shiga
Okuninushi, TsukuyomiLocated in the city of Echizen, Dayuji Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, dedicated to th...
View shrine →
彦根市平田町, Shiga
nullNaka-machi Shrine, located in the heart of Omi-hachiman City in Shiga Prefecture, is a sacred site d...
View shrine →
彦根市平田町, Shiga
OkuninushiLocated in the city of Eitetsu, Omi, in Shiga Prefecture, Nuki-miya Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedica...
View shrine →
Shiga
Amaterasu / SusanooLocated in the city of Omi, Shiga Prefecture, Dayotsu Grand Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess A...
View shrine →
Shiga
InariLocated in the Echizen Province of Shiga Prefecture, Eight坂 Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, a r...
View shrine →
Shiga
Inari ŌkamiInnsyō Taishūgū, also known as Fushimi Inari Shrine, is one of the most famous and iconic Shinto shr...
View shrine →
Shiga
HachimanShonai Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to the Kami of Prosperity and Good Fortune....
View shrine →
Shiga
OtohimeLocated in Shiga Prefecture, 小日吉大明神 日吉大社東本宮 (Oito Daijin Taisha Tohyou Hongu) is a prom...
View shrine →
Shiga
Ōtomo no OkuniThe shrine of Plain Village Great God Plain Village Shrine is a Shinto site located in the city of N...
View shrine →
Shiga
Hara-no-taka-no-kami, Kami IshimaidoWoodland Shrine of the Seat of Heavenly Light, Woodland God's Spirit Shrine (Woodland Shrine) is a s...
View shrine →
Shiga
Amaterasu ŌmikamiLocated in the city of Gokurakuji, Shiga Prefecture, Matsuo Taishōjin Matsuo Daisan Shrine is one of...
View shrine →
Shiga
HachimanLocated in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, the eight-storied stone temple of the Eight-Fold...
View shrine →
彦根市芹川町大仏, Shiga
InariIse no Ma no Shinshōji is a small Shinto shrine located in Hikone-shi, Shiga Prefecture. Dedicated t...
View shrine →
彦根市戸賀町, Shiga
Ninjō-saiLocated in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Eight Gates Shrine is one of the oldest and most important...
View shrine →
Shiga
Mada-Kiri Iwana Kami no MikotoLocated in the town of Ryugasaki, Shiga Prefecture, Mada-Kiri Iwana Kami no Mikoto Shrine is dedicat...
View shrine →
Shiga
Inari Okami新宮神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the Hieizan village of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. As one of...
View shrine →
Shiga
NagaLocated in the scenic Hieizan mountain range of Shiga Prefecture, Oku-Naga Shrine is dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Shiga
Yamato no OkamiHigh Mountain Eishajinja Shrine, located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, is a revered Shinto site dedic...
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.