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
TsukiyomiLocated in the city of Nihonmatsu, Iwai-shrines are famous for their distinctive 'haiden' tower with...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
nullCity Kamese Shrine, located in the city of Hitachi-Oda, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of t...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Taka-no-Kami氷川神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Katsurao, Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the ka...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariLocated in the city of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Ibarahikoji Shrine is one of Japan's oldest Shinto...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
TsukuyomiLove and prosperity are believed to be the blessings of Tsukuyomi, the Shinto god of the moon, at Ai...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
RyujinWater god shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the enshrined deity Ryujin, patron of w...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Tennou no KamiLocated in the prefecture of Ibaraki, Tennou no Kami Shrine is dedicated to Tennou no Kami, a Shinto...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariLocated in the town of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Akakawa Inari Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated t...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariThe East Inari Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture is one of the oldest and most revered shrines dedicated...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
HachimanLocated in the coastal town of Kashima, Eight Horses Temple Shrine (Hachimantai) is a Shinto temple...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiLocated in the town of Katsuura in Ibaraki Prefecture, Shiroiwa Jishu Shrine is dedicated to the dei...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, 元宿堰稲荷大神 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of rice and a...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiCity Assistance Rice Shrine, located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariThe Inari Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice, Inari Okami....
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Hiko-mikotoLocated in Ibaraki Prefecture, Eighteen-Stair Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of goo...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Tsuruga-gami Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture is dedicated to the sea god Tsuruga-o-no-kami. Located nea...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
RyujinToshio-cho Shrine, located in the town of Tomiya, Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto dei...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariLocated in the town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Sajima Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Kashitoga no OkamiKashitoga Shrine, located in the Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god Kashitoga no Oka...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
EnmeiImamigaya Shrine, located in the town of Yamato, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine ded...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
TsukiyomiLocated in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, Origatsumatsudai Shrine is dedicated to the kami of agri...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Amaterasu/OkamiLocated in the town of Okatsura, Ibaraki Prefecture, Dayo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariLocated in the scenic town of Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture,登戸稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiLocated in the prefecture of Ibaraki, 稲荷大明神 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the ka...
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.