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
Iwate
RyōjinLocated in the northern prefecture of Iwate, the Eight Clouds Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to...
View shrine →
Iwate
Tsukiyomi-no-kamiLocated in the town of Matsue, Mutsu Bay, Iwate Prefecture, Mutsu Tsukiyomi Shrine is dedicated to T...
View shrine →
Iwate
Located in the scenic town of Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, 荒屋駒形神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated...
View shrine →
Iwate
Hiyama no KamiThe Hiyama Tennen Shrine, located in Iwate Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the protectio...
View shrine →
Iwate
Sada-umi no Kami菅原神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the Tohoku region of Japan's northern island, specifically in...
View shrine →
Iwate
Inari OkamiEarly Pool Peak Mysterious Spring Shrine, located in the town of Matsushima in Iwate Prefecture, is...
View shrine →
Iwate
Taira no Osamu Shrine, also known as Ōsaru Shrine in Japanese, is a Shinto shrine located in the Aom...
View shrine →
Iwate
New JapanNew Japan Shrine, located in Iwate Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity New Japan,...
View shrine →
Iwate
Mokozukuri OkamiLocated in the mountains of Iwate, East Pranchi Temple Mokozukuri Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicate...
View shrine →
Iwate
Tucked away in the rugged countryside of Iwate Prefecture lies Name no Ki no O-miya, a lesser-known...
View shrine →
Iwate
KannonLocated in the picturesque Sagamigahara region of Iwate Prefecture, Sashigahara Kannon is a serene S...
View shrine →
Iwate
RyujinGodai-gami Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. It is famous for it...
View shrine →
Iwate
nullLocated in the prefecture of Iwate,山神神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of mountains an...
View shrine →
Iwate
AikunokamiLocated in the city of Mutsu, Iwate Prefecture, Komaizumi Aikunisan Shrine is a Shinto temple dedica...
View shrine →
Iwate
RyujinSmall Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, located in a rural area of Iw...
View shrine →
Iwate
Mitsumata Shrine, located in Hirosaki Park, Aomori Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity of a...
View shrine →
Iwate
Matsushima Shrine, located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous Shinto...
View shrine →
Iwate
ŌkuninushiLocated in the scenic town of Hiraizumi, Andō Pogokushinsha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god...
View shrine →
Iwate
Fūjin小林の八幡さま Shrine, dedicated to the god of wind and storms, is a historic Shinto site located in...
View shrine →
Iwate
Komaegi-jinryoArakawa Komaegi Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in Arakawa, Iwate Prefecture, dedicated to the kami...
View shrine →
Iwate
HachimanLocated in the city of Ichihara, Iwate Prefecture, the shrine is dedicated to the deity Hachiman, kn...
View shrine →
Iwate
Located in the northern Japanese prefecture of Iwate, Muzukuni Shrine is dedicated to the Shintoinar...
View shrine →
Iwate
RyujinUka Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the scenic town of Uka, Iwate Prefecture. The shrine's name...
View shrine →
Iwate
Inari Okami, Hachiman Okami, AmaterasuKotohira Shrine, located in the town of Miyako in Iwate Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous Sh...
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.