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
Tokyo
InariLocated in the heart of Hakone, Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture, not Tokyo, Uragasanaka Shrine...
View shrine →
Tokyo
InariLocated in the heart of Tokyo, Ifukuji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the deity of ri...
View shrine →
Tokyo
InariLocated in the heart of Setagaya, Tokyo, Hakone-ya Orashi Jinja Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto de...
View shrine →
Tokyo
RyujinLocated in the heart of Tokyo, Shiojima Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the gods of the sea a...
View shrine →
Tokyo
InariForested on the banks of the Tamagawa River, the forest temple of Kamiatadashi Inari Shrine is dedic...
View shrine →
Tokyo
Yamabiko-no-kamiLocated in the heart of Tokyo, Yama no Ōnari-jinsha Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity...
View shrine →
Tokyo
Inari OkamiLocated in Setagaya, Tokyo, Ō-temple Shrine is one of the oldest shrines dedicated to Inari Okami, t...
View shrine →
Tokyo
nullTokaishima Shrine, located on the island of Shodoshima in Seto Inland Sea, is a revered Shinto site...
View shrine →
Tokyo
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Tokyo, Nodazei Inari Shrine is one of the most revered Shinto shrines dedica...
View shrine →
Tokyo
Inari OkamiOutemiyama Inari Taishakan, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and fertility, is located i...
View shrine →
Tokyo
HachimanLocated in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, Okazaki Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman,...
View shrine →
Tokyo
Fujino-OkamiLocated in Tokyo's Setagaya ward, 鹿島神社元宮 is a historic Shinto shrine that has been in operatio...
View shrine →
Tokyo
Fujitama, Inari OkamiThe Fudo Myojin Shrine, located in Tokyo's Adachi Ward, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of w...
View shrine →
Tokyo
TenjinKodaiji Shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, is one of Japan's oldest and most pr...
View shrine →
Tokyo
Katsurahime no Ma Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Tokyo Prefecture, dedicated to the goddes...
View shrine →
Tokyo
BenzaitenLocated in the heart of Tokyo, Abenobu Sato Shrine is dedicated to Benzaiten, the Shinto goddess of...
View shrine →
Tokyo
InariInari Okami Shrine is one of the most famous and revered Shinto shrines in Japan, particularly known...
View shrine →
Tokyo
AmaterasuLocated in the heart of Tokyo, Sensį Shrine is one of Japan's most famous and revered Shinto shrines...
View shrine →
Tokyo
KamishirohimeLocated in the heart of Setagaya, Tokyo's Autumn Leaves district, Akizukimachi Shrine is a lesser-kn...
View shrine →
Tokyo
OosamayorihimeLocated in the heart of Tokyo, Konan-jinja Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the kami, Oo...
View shrine →
Tokyo
nullThe Zao-senji Shrine in Tokyo is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of various kami, including...
View shrine →
Tokyo
ŌkuninushiQianming Temple is a Shinto shrine located in Setagaya, Tokyo, dedicated to the enshrined deity Ōkun...
View shrine →
Tokyo
EbisuLocated in the heart of Tokyo, Sennōjin Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. De...
View shrine →
Tokyo
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Tokyo, Meidokku Inari Shrine is a historic Shinto site that honors the god o...
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.