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
Osaka
RyujinLocated in Osaka, 柳丸龍王 Shrine is dedicated to Ryujin, the Shinto god of dragons and water. This...
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Asozu Kuzuryu Shrine
Wakayama
Nine-headed dragon deityAsozu Kuzuryu Shrine is dedicated to the worship of a nine-headed dragon deity, representing the pow...
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Ichigan Ryu Shrine
Gifu
Dragon deityA local shrine in Gifu Prefecture dedicated to a dragon deity, reflecting the widespread veneration...
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Komahime Ryujin Daijin Shrine
Kagoshima
Komahime Ryujin - Dragon deity associated with water and maritime protectionA shrine dedicated to Komahime Ryujin, a dragon deity revered for protection of waters and maritime...
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Kongoshoji Hachidai Ryuo-sha
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Eight Great Dragon KingsA dragon king shrine located within the grounds of Kongoshoji Temple, dedicated to the Eight Great D...
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Miyase Ryuo Shrine
Kochi
Dragon deity of water and rainA local shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Ryuo, the dragon king deity associated with water, r...
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Myokai Tenryuo Shrine
Kumamoto
Dragon King deity associated with water and sea protection View shrine →
Okuma Ryuo Shrine
Kagoshima
Dragon King deityA shrine dedicated to the Dragon King (Ryuo), reflecting the deep connection between Japanese Shinto...
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Ryujin Shrine
Kumamoto
Ryujin (Dragon King deity)A Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture dedicated to Ryujin, the dragon deity of the sea and water. D...
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Ryuo Shrine
Miyazaki
Dragon King deityA Shinto shrine in Miyazaki Prefecture dedicated to Ryujin, the dragon king deity of water and sea....
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Shiratama Ryujin Shrine
Gifu
Shiratama Ryujin (White Jewel Dragon God)A shrine dedicated to Shiratama Ryujin, the White Jewel Dragon God, representing the spiritual power...
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Todoroki Ryuo Daijin Shrine
Kochi
Dragon deity associated with water and rainA shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Todoroki Ryuo Daijin, a powerful dragon deity. The name 'T...
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Watatsu-mi Shrine
Kochi
Watatsumi-no-Kami (sea deity)A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture dedicated to Watatsumi-no-Kami, the ancient Japanese sea deity....
View shrine →Jump to Shinto shrines across Japan — 108 prefectures in our directory.
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