What is Oojinja?

Oojinja is the most comprehensive English-language encyclopedia of Japan’s Shinto shrines. We document 538 shrines across all 47 prefectures — their history, enshrined kami, rituals, festivals, architecture, and practical visiting guidance.

The name oojinja (大神社) means “great shrine” — and our mission is to make every shrine in Japan accessible to the world, whether you’re planning a pilgrimage across Shikoku, researching Inari worship for academic work, or simply curious about the torii gate you saw in a photograph.

Why Oojinja Exists

Japan has over 80,000 Shinto shrines. Most information about them exists only in Japanese, scattered across local tourism boards, shrine association pamphlets, and academic texts. For English-speaking visitors and researchers, finding reliable, detailed shrine information has always been difficult.

Oojinja bridges that gap. Every shrine profile is researched from primary Japanese sources and structured for both the casual traveler and the devoted student of Shinto culture.

What You’ll Find Here

Shrine Profiles

Each of our 538 shrine pages includes origin history, enshrined kami and their domains, architectural highlights, major festivals with dates, best times to visit, and practical access information. Browse by all shrines, by region, or by purpose.

Shrine Collections

Discover shrines through curated networks: the 220 Beppyo Shrines designated by the Association of Shinto Shrines, the ancient 69 Ichinomiya (first shrines of each province), and deity-specific lineages like Inari, Hachiman, and Tenjin shrine networks.

e-Omamori

Our digital omamori (protective charms) let you carry the spiritual intention of a sacred place with you — wherever you are in the world. Choose from eight blessing types, receive a personalized digital certificate, and carry your protection for 365 days.

e-Omikuji

Draw your digital fortune — the same sacred lottery system used at shrines across Japan for centuries. From Daikichi (Great Blessing) to Kyō (Curse), discover what the kami have in store.

Our Research Process

Every shrine profile is built from a combination of:

• Official shrine publications and histories (社史)
• Jinja Honchō (Association of Shinto Shrines) registry data
• Prefectural cultural heritage records
• Academic sources on Shinto history, mythology, and kami lineages
• On-site observation and documentation

We prioritize accuracy and cultural respect. Shinto is a living tradition, and we treat each shrine’s story with the reverence it deserves.

Get in Touch

Have a correction, a shrine suggestion, or a collaboration inquiry?

Email us at hello@oojinja.com

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