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
Kashiwazakisan Shrine, located in the beautiful coastal town of Minami Natori in Ibaraki Prefecture,...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Kamimazedonojikinenaga Shrine, located in the town of Oshimo in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shri...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiInari Okami Shrine, located in the prefecture of Ibaraki, is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto de...
View shrine →
岩井市, 茨城県
Tsukuyomi國王神社 is a Shinto shrine located in 岩井市, 茨城県, dedicated to the worship of the deity Tsukuyo...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
HachimanBoshinoka Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto temple located in Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its historic s...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Amaterasu Ōmikami, Susanoo no KamiLocated in the Ibaraki Prefecture, 鹿嶋神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amateras...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
DaigōkūLocated in the scenic town of Tsukuda, Hitachi Oji, in Ibaraki Prefecture, Daigo-sixtaijinja Shrine...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
nullThe Torii Gate of Kinugawa Onsen, which is believed to be the original gate of Toshogu Shrine in Nag...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
UnknownThe Dai-go-Tama-jinsha, or Great Jade God Shrine, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the la...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
SusanooThe Eight Pillar Shrine, located in the town of Tomida in Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan's olde...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Mitaka no OkamiMitaka no Okami Shrine, located in the town of Shimouza in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine de...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
AmaterasuSpring Day Shrine, located in the scenic town of Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a serene Shinto tem...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Ryujin, Ningyo, BentenLocated in the scenic town of Sakurako, Ibaraki Prefecture, Sanbutsu-jinja Shrine is dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Small Shinto Shrine is a local and lesser-known...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Soshigiri no KamiLocated in the town of Shimodate, Ibaraki Prefecture, 夷針神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the d...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
nullLocated in the prefecture of Ibaraki, Mainstone Shrine (, Ōseki-jinsha) is a small shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Zao Shrine, located in the foothills of Mt. Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedica...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Susanoo-no-MikotoIwaseyama Shrine, located in the historic town of Iwaseyama in Hitachi Seaside, Ibaraki Prefecture,...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Futsunoo-sanLocated in the city of Funabashi, Ibaraki Prefecture, 清瀧不動尊 Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto g...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
TsukuyomiLocated in the city of Hitachosesho, Fukushima Prefecture's neighboring Ibaraki was once home to the...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
SubakamiSub Kami Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture is a Shinto temple dedicated to the lesser kami, Subakami. The...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Okami-no-miya-gamiTategosho Shrine, located in the town of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to Okami-no-miya-gam...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
KanezukiLocated in the town of Kamakura, 願掛け地蔵 Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of trea...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiThe Godai Shrine, located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated t...
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.