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
Shiga
Located in the city of Omi-ya, Shiga Prefecture, Horyu Shrine is a small Shinto shrine dedicated to...
View shrine →
Shiga
The Ryōro Shrine, located in the scenic town of Katsuyama, Shiga Prefecture, is a tranquil oasis ami...
View shrine →
Shiga
InariLocated in the city of Omi, Shiga Prefecture, East Gate Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated...
View shrine →
Shiga
TakemikazuchiLocated in the city of Omi, Lake Biwa's shores, Ifukuji Shrine is dedicated to Takemikazuchi, a stor...
View shrine →
Shiga
Located in the city of Omiya, Shiga Prefecture, Hon-den Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated...
View shrine →
Shiga
Mikosaka no KamiThis Shinto shrine in Shiga Prefecture is dedicated to the benevolent deity of light, Mikosaka no Ka...
View shrine →
Shiga
Susanoo, Tsukiyomi, AmaterasuLocated in the city of Nagahama, Hieizan Sanbo-in Shrine is dedicated to three deities: the Sun Godd...
View shrine →
Shiga
Ryujin and Inari OkamiLocated in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, 玄武稲荷大神 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the de...
View shrine →
Shiga
Kuroba no OkamiLocated in the town of Katsuyama, Shiga Prefecture, Gluttony God Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Shiga
Inari OkamiNotsumiya Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Notsumiya, Shiga Prefecture. Dedica...
View shrine →
Shiga
Itsunaki-no-KamiShunryu-ji, located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, is a shrine dedicated to Spring Shrine...
View shrine →
Shiga
RyujinThe Hakudai Shrine, located in the Hikone city of Shiga Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to...
View shrine →
Shiga
Located in the city of Echizen, Shiga Prefecture, Hyouga Rin Tozan Inari is a Shinto shrine that ens...
View shrine →
Shiga
Located in the heart of Shiga Prefecture, Ōmi-ya Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the wo...
View shrine →
Shiga
Hachiman Tenjin長谷八幡宮 Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Echizen, Fukui City, Shiga Prefecture, and was previ...
View shrine →
Shiga
InariLocated in the city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto...
View shrine →
Shiga
ŌdaijinLocated in the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, North White River Shrine (北白川天神宮) is a sacred s...
View shrine →
Shiga
Sugawara no Michizane御所八幡宮, located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is one of Japan's most iconic and historic Shi...
View shrine →
Shiga
River Town Great Church is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of River Town, a historic district i...
View shrine →
Shiga
Amenomono no OkamiKatsurahama Shrine, located in the city of Katsura in Shiga Prefecture, is a significant Shinto shri...
View shrine →
Shiga
OjinLocated in the city of Echizen, Shiga Prefecture, Matsuo Taisha is one of Japan's most famous Shinto...
View shrine →
Shiga
Hachiman TenjinLocated in the town of Konan, Omiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Hachiman Tenjin,...
View shrine →
Shiga
Tsumugi-no-kamiBōzu-in Tsumugi-sha is a small Shinto shrine located in the town of Katsuta, Shiga Prefecture. Dedic...
View shrine →
Shiga
Ando-no-TsukuyomiLocated in the city of Maibara, Ando Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Ando-no-Tsukuyo...
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.