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
Shizuoka
Uma no kami (Horse/Kami)The Geku Shrine, located in the town of Nissaka, is one of the seven major shrines in the province o...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
SusanooLocated in the city of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a well-known Shinto...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
新屋神宮 is a Shinto shrine located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Dedicated to...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
Left Fushimi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Eniwa, Shizuoka Prefecture. Dedicated...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Water God Shrine is dedicated to the kami of water and fertility. Wi...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
GamiThe Godai no Makoto Shrine, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of the sea and...
View shrine →
菊川市, Shizuoka
Tanda-ka-yu Jinja, a Shinto shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture, is dedicated to the god of rice and agric...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
Jishin-yokamiThe Eight Pillar Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto kami of the same name, bel...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
OkuninushiMiddle of the 8th century, Middle Ages, and early Edo period, this Shinto shrine honors Okuninushi,...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
KoyomushiLocated in the Japanese Alps, the White Mountain Shrine is dedicated to Koyomushi, a kami associated...
View shrine →
Kanagawa
SusanooKozen-ji Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to the god Sus...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
Tenryu-gamiThe Tenryu-ji Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture is dedicated to the kami of Mount Fuji, specifically Ten...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
Amaterasugita no KamiSuban-jinja, also known as Suban Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefec...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
HachimanRoots Wash Shrine, located in the picturesque town of Iwata in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a small yet v...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, the small town of Mikawa is home to Oketoba Shrine, dedicated to Oke...
View shrine →
浜松市, 静岡県
NoneHighly revered in the Mikawa region of Japan, Takakihonsha Shrine is dedicated to the kami (spirits)...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
SusanooLove and Fertility Shrine in Shizuoka, dedicated to a kami associated with the sea and fertility. Bu...
View shrine →
藤枝市, 静岡県
Okuninushi ŌkamiNittaiji Shinsho-ji Temple is not the only Shinto shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture, but rather a unique...
View shrine →
Nagano
Tsuigarino-O-no-MikotoAkibayashi Shrine, located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
KamizuchiLocated in the city of Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, Iwakura Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedi...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
RyūjinLocated in the town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Dai Tou Ryū Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
Located in the picturesque town of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Sugawagahara Jinsha is a historic Shi...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
Tamashii no kamiLocated in the city of Hamamatsu, Left Mouth Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity of prosperity a...
View shrine →
Shizuoka
AmaterasuómikageLocated in the scenic town of Iwata, northern Shizuoka Prefecture, North Eight Clouds Shrine is a se...
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.