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
Kokuryuu-kamiTasumi-miya Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to the worship of the k...
View shrine →
Akita
Mt. Chokkai no kamiLocated in the scenic Akita Prefecture, New Mountain Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deit...
View shrine →
Akita
Inari OkamiIndoha Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari Okami, patron deity...
View shrine →
Akita
Prishu Shrine, located in the heart of Akita Prefecture, is a sacred site dedicated to the worship o...
View shrine →
Akita
Mt. SakasahikoLocated in the Akita Prefecture,山崎神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the mountain an...
View shrine →
Akita
Godai OkamiLocated in the heart of Akita, Godai Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the worship of the...
View shrine →
Akita
Located in Akita Prefecture, Fujiishinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Fujisan, the mountain godd...
View shrine →
Akita
Susanoo-no-MikotoLocated in the city of Akita, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Susanoo...
View shrine →
Akita
Kitsubetsu-no-kamiKitsubetsu-no-kami Shrine is a Shinto temple in Akita Prefecture, dedicated to Kitsubetsu-no-kami, t...
View shrine →
Akita
nullLocated in the heart of Akita,友倉神社 (Yokura Shrine) is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the kam...
View shrine →
Akita
Inari OkamiLocated in the heart of Akita city, Love Shrine is a small but historic Shinto shrine dedicated to t...
View shrine →
Akita
DaizokutenLocated in the Akita Prefecture, the Daizokuten Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of f...
View shrine →
Akita
Omono no Yakasa-yama-tsurugiLocated in the heart of Akita Prefecture, Mount Godai Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kam...
View shrine →
Akita
Located in the Akita Prefecture,鹿渡神社 (Kamotachino Shrine) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the wa...
View shrine →
Akita
SaderaLocated in the Akita Prefecture,相染大神 Shrine is dedicated to the enshrined deity of Sadera, a leg...
View shrine →
Akita
OigamaLocated in the Akita Prefecture, Village Town Shrine is a Shinto shrine that serves as a gathering p...
View shrine →
Akita
TakemikazuchiLocated in the mountains of Akita Prefecture, Tooheyan-jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god...
View shrine →
Akita
HokutoLocated in the Akita Prefecture, the Seven Stars Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the pr...
View shrine →
Akita
HachimanLocated in the city of Akita, Akita Prefecture, Eight Horses Temple Shrine (Hachimanto-ji) is a Shin...
View shrine →
Akita
Located in Akita Prefecture, the Tangou no Kami Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of t...
View shrine →
Akita
nullLocated in the Taiheiyo Mountains of Akita Prefecture, Tooheiyama Ishitō is a Shinto shrine that ser...
View shrine →
Akita
FūjinMizusawa Shrine, dedicated to the kami of fog and mountains, is a revered Shinto site located in Aki...
View shrine →
Akita
Ōi no KamiLocated in the heart of Akita Prefecture, 磯前神社 is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami...
View shrine →
Akita
Hachiman no OkamiLocated in the heart of Akita Prefecture, 鹿南神明社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami, Hachi...
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.