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
Akita
KinshachiLocated in the city of Yoneshima, Akita Prefecture, Kinshachi-ro Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Akita
nullIzu-yama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the sun goddess Amatera...
View shrine →
Akita
HachimanIzuysamashinsha Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the deity Izu Yo...
View shrine →
Akita
JikininkiLocated in the Akita Prefecture, Sanjikijinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mount...
View shrine →
Akita
AmaterasuInakaya Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto temple dedicated to the sun goddess Amatera...
View shrine →
Akita
HachimanLocated in Akita Prefecture, the Eight-Horsemans Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Hachiman, r...
View shrine →
Akita
InariInakagiyama Sato Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddes...
View shrine →
Akita
Akebono TaroLocated in Akita Prefecture, Utsusegikami Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the god of war and...
View shrine →
Akita
Takesashiro no Okami波宇志别神社是位于日本秋田県的一座 historic Shinto shrine, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185...
View shrine →
Akita
Godaikoku no kamiLocated in the city of Aomori, Akita Prefecture's Godai region, Godaikoku Jinsha is a Shinto shrine...
View shrine →
Akita
Amaterasu (Dewa Kamuy)The Dewa Sanzan group of shrines, which includes the Shiroishi Taisha and this Ise Grand Shrine offs...
View shrine →
Akita
InariLocated in Akita Prefecture, Bear Mountain Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary dedicated to the god Inari,...
View shrine →
Akita
Visitors can pray to the kami of Lake Biwa, who are believed to possess magical powers.Located in Akita Prefecture,諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the same name. The...
View shrine →
Akita
Inari OkamiLocated in the scenic Akita Prefecture, Imokami-sha Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Ok...
View shrine →
Akita
Goei no okamiGodai Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the god Goei no okami, or...
View shrine →
Akita
Iwaki-no-KamuyamaWhite Mountain Shrine, dedicated to the deity of the mountains, is located in Akita Prefecture. The...
View shrine →
Akita
Yakushi (Medicine Buddha)Located in the city of Akita, the Taiping Yakushi Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the medicin...
View shrine →
Akita
Ōno-TsumariLocated in the Akita Prefecture, the Ōdate Jinja is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to th...
View shrine →
Akita
Tsukuyomilocated in the akita prefecture, 足王さん shrine is a historic site dedicated to the worship of tsuk...
View shrine →
Akita
OtohimeAi Date Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is dedicated to the deity Otohime, a goddess of the sea...
View shrine →
Akita
Tametarō屋敷神 Shrine in Akita Prefecture is dedicated to the Shinto deity Tametarō, a kami associated with...
View shrine →
Akita
Suna-no-O-OkamiLocated in the Akita Prefecture, 甲坐神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the forest and...
View shrine →
Akita
Oya no kami, HachimanLocated in the Akita Prefecture, the day goddess shrine of Hachiman and Oya no kami (north-hand god)...
View shrine →
Akita
Sasayama-OkamiLocated in the heart of Akita Prefecture, 猿田神社 is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami...
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.