This collection presents 7 Japanese gods that start with E, spanning from “E-no-koro-no-kami” to “Eshira no Kami”. Names follow Hepburn romanization for consistent alphabetizing and clear pronunciation. You can use this list for study, writing, travel planning, or quick reference.

Japanese gods that start with E are Shinto and regional deities whose names begin with the letter E. Many are shrine-linked local kami; a notable example is “E-no-koro-no-kami” from regional lore.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Reading, Domain, Symbols, Shrine/Region, and Notes.

Name: The primary romanized name of the deity, used for searches, citations, and immediate identification.

Reading: The pronunciation in Hepburn romanization so you can say names accurately and alphabetize consistently.

Domain: A concise phrase describing the deity’s sphere, like fertility, sea, or agriculture, to show thematic role.

Symbols: One to three iconographic items linked to the deity, helping you visualize or identify shrine imagery.

Shrine/Region: The main shrine or local area associated with the deity to guide your further reading or visits.

Notes: Brief historical or cultural remarks, variants, or festival links that help you understand context quickly.

Japanese gods that start with E

NameReading (Hepburn)Japanese (kanji/kana)Domain & Symbols
EbisuEbisu恵比寿, 夷Commerce, fishing, luck; fishing rod, tai (sea bream)
EkibyōgamiEkibyōgami疫病神Pestilence, disease; ominous clouds, miasma
Emushi no KamiEmushi no Kami愛瀰詩ノ神Poetry, love; scroll, brush
E-no-koro-no-kamiE-no-koro-no-kami胞衣の神 (えのころのかみ)Childbirth, placenta; infant, wrapping cloth
En no GyōjaEn no Gyōja役行者Asceticism, mountains; monk’s staff, conch shell
Enma-ŌEnma-Ō閻魔王Underworld, judgment; king’s crown, mace, scroll
Eshira no KamiEshira no Kami江平神Rivers, water control; water flow, riverbank

Descriptions

Ebisu
One of the most popular Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) and the patron of fishermen and merchants. He is the only one of the seven with a purely Japanese origin and is often depicted with a fishing rod and a large sea bream.
Ekibyōgami
A general term for malevolent spirits or kami that bring plague and disease. Rituals and festivals, such as Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, were developed to appease these fearsome deities and ward off epidemics from communities.
Emushi no Kami
A minor kami mentioned in the Kojiki as a child of Ōkuninushi. The name is interpreted as “God of the Beautiful Poem,” suggesting a connection to poetry and the arts, though specific myths about this deity are scarce.
E-no-koro-no-kami
A folk deity associated with the safe delivery and disposal of the placenta (ena), believed to be connected to the child’s soul. Proper rituals involving this kami were thought to ensure the newborn’s health and future well-being.
En no Gyōja
A semi-legendary 7th-century mystic and founder of Shugendō, a syncretic religion of mountain asceticism. He is revered for his supernatural abilities and is often worshipped as a divine figure, known for commanding demons.
Enma-Ō
The fierce King of Hell in Japanese Buddhism who judges the souls of the dead. Despite his fearsome appearance, he is a just ruler of the afterlife, deciding each soul’s fate based on their deeds in life.
Eshira no Kami
A water deity listed in the ancient Engishiki records, enshrined in the Ōmi Province (modern Shiga Prefecture). This kami was likely worshipped by locals for protection from floods and to ensure the bounty of nearby rivers.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.