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
Aomori
TsukuyomiTruezakura Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Tsugaru District of Aomori Prefecture, northern...
View shrine →
Aomori
Tsukiyomi no KamiLocated in the heart of Aomori Prefecture,椿銀山山神社 is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the k...
View shrine →
Aomori
Located in the scenic town of Towada, Water God Shrine is dedicated to the kami of water and prosper...
View shrine →
Aomori
Fudo Myo-o不動社 (Fudoin) is a Shinto shrine located in Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan. As one o...
View shrine →
Aomori
KaitoLocated in the city of Aomori, 釣潟神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Kaito, a kami associated wit...
View shrine →
Aomori
Hachiman-guLocated in the heart of Aomori, Ōma Jōzan Hachimangū Shrine is dedicated to Hachiman-gu, the Shinto...
View shrine →
Aomori
AmaterasuLocated in Aomori Prefecture, the Tsugaru Shrine complex includes the Osumi Shrine and the Hirosaki...
View shrine →
Aomori
Godai TsukuyomiLocated in the city of Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Mt. Godai Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to...
View shrine →
Aomori
Highsho Shrine, located in Aomori Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of fertility...
View shrine →
Aomori
InariLocated in Aomori Prefecture, the Inari Okappi Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari, patron d...
View shrine →
Aomori
Nikko no OkamiHighsho Temple, also known as Highsho Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in Aomori Prefecture. Dedic...
View shrine →
Aomori
SusanooLocated in the heart of Aomori City, Dewa Sanzan's Izumo Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Aomori
nullLocated in Aomori, Hatake Mokozukuri Kami no Miyajima Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kam...
View shrine →
Aomori
Hachiman OkamiLocated in the scenic town of Kuroiso, Aomori Prefecture's Hachinohe City, 鹿戸ノ泽神社 is dedicated...
View shrine →
Aomori
ŌkuninushiLocated in the northern prefecture of Aomori, Yamagami Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the ka...
View shrine →
Aomori
Mikasa-haruLocated in the northeastern prefecture of Aomori, the Shinmei-ya Shrine is dedicated to the kami Mik...
View shrine →
Aomori
HachimanLocated in the heart of Aomori Prefecture, Hachimantai Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the go...
View shrine →
Aomori
TsukuyomiLocated in the city of Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, White Sand Shrine (Shirogane Jinja) is a Shinto...
View shrine →
Aomori
HachimanLocated in Aomori, the Oshikiri Hachiman-gu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Hachima...
View shrine →
Aomori
Inari OkappiInari Okappi Shrine in Aomori is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to the fox dei...
View shrine →
Aomori
Heiwa-ji Temple, a historic temple located near the Shirakami-Sanchi National Park, was once a sacre...
View shrine →
Aomori
Myo'nematsuri no okamiMyo'nen-sha is a Shinto shrine located in Aomori Prefecture, known as the 'Shrine of Good Seeing.' T...
View shrine →
Aomori
Located in the Aomori Prefecture, Hohodai Shrine is dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertilit...
View shrine →
Aomori
Inari Okami, Fukuradono-yama-OkamiRooted in the Shinto faith, 根井神社 (Nagase Shrine) is a revered site nestled in the scenic Aomori...
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.