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
多賀神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Nagareyama, Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine is ded...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Mibachi no KamiLocated in the city of Katsuraga, Ibaraki Prefecture, Mibachidori Shrine is dedicated to the deity o...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Ōkuninushi no OkamiLocated in Ibaraki Prefecture, 鹿島神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the island of Kō...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
AmaterasuLocated in the town of Sasanuma, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tsuruha-jinja Shrine is one of Japan's oldest s...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
HakosanjinHakosanji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Tsukuda, Ibaraki Prefecture. Dedicated to...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
InariInari Okami Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to the god Inari, wh...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Ōkuni-nushiLocated in the scenic town of Kashima,鹿島神社 (Kashima Shrine) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Inari OkamiKami Island Shrine, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari Okami, rever...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
TsukuyomiThe Tsukiyomi-jinja Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture is a Shinto temple dedicated to Tsukuyomi, the moon...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
Namahage-san, Nin'nyoThe Daigokiten Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, Nin'nyo,...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
AmaterasuLocated in the rural town of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, 鹿嶋神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to t...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
ShinmeiLocated in the town of Tsukuda, Ibaraki Prefecture, Haku-black Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated t...
View shrine →
Ibaraki
The Ōgatenshūjin-ya is a Shinto shrine located in Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the six heavenly...
View shrine →
Niigata
Inari OkamiOpen the Way God Rice Shrine in Niigata Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari O...
View shrine →
Niigata
Located in the town of Kosaka, Niigata Prefecture, Hayaoshi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to v...
View shrine →
Niigata
AmaterasuLocated in the heart of Niigata, Shotodai Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, who was...
View shrine →
Niigata
GoshiraseGoshirase Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god of fertility and agriculture, is located in Niigata Pr...
View shrine →
Niigata
Ryūjin (Dragon God)高 龍神社 (Taka Ryū Jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture. De...
View shrine →
Niigata
Daisenryūō no kamiLocated in the Niigata Prefecture, Daisenryū-ji Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami of a...
View shrine →
Niigata
nullLocated in the Japanese prefecture of Niigata, Eight Seas Mountain Shrine is dedicated to the kami o...
View shrine →
Niigata
HachimanLocated in the heart of Niigata, Matsuo Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the enshrined deity,...
View shrine →
Niigata
Mochizuki no Okami, kami of rice, prosperity, and snakesSnakes and pine trees are intertwined in the mythology of Snake Pine Shrine, located in Nagaoka City...
View shrine →
Niigata
RyūgūThe Ryūgūjinsha, also known as the Golden Dragon Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in Niigata Prefe...
View shrine →
Niigata
Nestled in the scenic Niigata prefecture, Dan no Sato Shrine is a lesser-known yet fascinating Shint...
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.