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
栃木県足利市葉鹿町, Gunma
Inari OkamiLocated in the scenic town of Yabukata, Satō-machi in Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture, San'emon-ji...
View shrine →
Gunma
Located in the Gunma prefecture, Fushi-saka Jinja is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the w...
View shrine →
Gunma
Susanoo-no-kamilocated in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, Hiryu-jinja Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with...
View shrine →
栃木県足利市大前町, Gunma
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Tochigi City, Sakasai Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the rice...
View shrine →
Gunma
ToshigamiThe Five-Storehouse Shrine, located in Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of...
View shrine →
Gunma
RaijinLocated in Gunma Prefecture, Raidein Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Raijin, the god of lightn...
View shrine →
Gunma
nullLocated in the heart of Gunma Prefecture, Eight Saka Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to th...
View shrine →
Gunma
SusanooIndra Shrine in Gunma Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto deity Susanoo, who played a key role in...
View shrine →
Gunma
TsukuyomiKuyudo-jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture. Dedicated to Tsuku...
View shrine →
Gunma
Taiyin, DaizokutenLocated in the city of Katusa, Gunma Prefecture, Takasaki Taishan Daizokuten Jinja is a Shinto shrin...
View shrine →
渋川市, 群馬県
TsukuyomiLocated in the town of Shinshū, Gunma Prefecture, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Tsukuyomi-no-ka...
View shrine →
Gunma
Tamazura-gamiLocated in the city of Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, 鎮守稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the...
View shrine →
Gunma
Toshogu Shrine's sister shrine, located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, is dedicated to the Sh...
View shrine →
Gunma
FujinLocated in the city of Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture, High Bridge Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated...
View shrine →
Gunma
Ō-Hu no OkamiLocated in the scenic town of Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, Ō-Hu Shrine is a sacred Shinto site dedicat...
View shrine →
Gunma
Hachiman-gamiSpring Day Shrine, located in Gunma Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of spring, Hachiman...
View shrine →
Gunma
Tsuki-yomiLocated in the city of Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, White Mountain Princess Shrine (Shirojishinsha) is...
View shrine →
川越市, Gunma
OkamiKoyama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kawagoe, Gunma Prefecture. The shrine is ded...
View shrine →
Gunma
Located in Gunma Prefecture, Izu-kuwa Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountai...
View shrine →
Gunma
Tsukuyomi-no-OkamiLocated in the city of Nikkģ, Gunma Prefecture, Tsukumogami Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to t...
View shrine →
Gunma
Fujin, RaijinLocated in the city of Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, Kanto region's 'Japan's Wonderland' or 'Kanto Wond...
View shrine →
Gunma
Amaterasu OmikamiLove Temple Shrine, located in Gunma Prefecture, is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Shinto sun g...
View shrine →
Gunma
Located in the city of Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, Tamayodo Suitengu Shrine is a sacred site dedicat...
View shrine →
Gunma
Inari OkamiLocated in the scenic town of Karuizawa, the Jokai-ma Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari...
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.