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
Kyoto
SadatoshiLocated in the Toshodai-ji temple precincts of Kyoto,垂箕山大明神 Shrine is dedicated to the kami of...
View shrine →
Kyoto
HachimanAbove the entrance of the shrine lies a large cedar tree, symbolizing longevity and strength. Inside...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Inari OkamiKurama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Kurama district of Kyoto, dedicated to the deity Sus...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Sangaten (Soil God)Sango Taisha Shrine is dedicated to the kami of soil and plants, playing a crucial role in agricultu...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Okuribi no kamiLocated in the heart of Kyoto, Ōkuri Iwai Jinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuribi no kami, a...
View shrine →
Kyoto
HachimanLocated in the heart of Kyoto, Ifukuji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Hachiman, know...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Tamazusa no OkamiLocated in the heart of Kyoto, mountainous prefecture, lies the Shinto shrine dedicated to Tamazusa...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Okasama-no-MikoO-kasama Shrine, located in Kyoto, is dedicated to the kami Okasama-no-Miko, a deity associated with...
View shrine →
Kyoto
HachimanEight坂神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, dedicated to the protection and guidance of travele...
View shrine →
Kyoto
OinariLocated in the heart of Kyoto,山王大権現神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Yamabiko-no-kami, the S...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Amaterasu爱宕神社 (Ise Grand Shrine) in Kyoto is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Godd...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Amaterasu ŌmikamiReshi Jingū-sha is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Ōmikami and her...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Inari OkamiInusato Shrine, located in Kyoto, is a renowned Shinto temple dedicated to the rice goddess Inari Ok...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Kyoto, Daiso-sha is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Ok...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Karakasa-yama Shrine, located in the foothills of Mount Hii, is one of the oldest shrines in Japan....
View shrine →
Kyoto
Susanoo-no-MikotoThe Eight Sanke District Shrine, located in Kyoto, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the gods of ferti...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Tsukuyomi諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Ukyo, Kyoto Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated t...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Kawatarabe no KamiKawa-no-Daikannon-ji, also known as Kawa-shita Kami no-miya, is a Shinto shrine located in the heart...
View shrine →
Kyoto
FujinLocated in the heart of Kyoto, the Daiso Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrin...
View shrine →
Kyoto
DaioLocated in the heart of Kyoto, the Daio-jinja Shrine is dedicated to the enshrined deity of good for...
View shrine →
Kyoto
BenzaitenLocated in the heart of Kyoto, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Benzaiten...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Okuninushi no Okami機殿神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, dedicated to the deity Okuninushi no Okami, who is rev...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Ninazukara no KamiAkibayashi Shrine, located in the heart of Kyoto, is dedicated to the kami of autumn leaves and lite...
View shrine →
Kyoto
Inari OkamiLocated in Kyoto, Inari Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. Dedicated to 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.