This list includes 18 Japanese gods that start with O, from “Odoyamatsumi” to “Oyamatsumi”. These deities range from major Shinto kami to regional and folk spirits often tied to nature and mountains. You can use this list for study, writing, travel planning, or quick reference.

Japanese gods that start with O are Shinto and folk deities whose names begin with the letter O. Many are mountain or nature kami, including the prominent Odoyamatsumi, venerated at regional shrines.

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

Name: The standard English or romanized deity name used in the table, helping you find and cross-reference each god quickly.

Reading: Pronunciation in Hepburn romanization so you can say names correctly and sort entries alphabetically for research.

Domain: Short phrase describing the god’s main sphere, like “mountains” or “sea”, letting you match deities to themes quickly.

Symbols: One to three common iconographic items that identify each deity visually, helping you recognize them at shrines or in art.

Shrine: Primary shrine or region associated with the god so you can locate where they are worshipped and plan visits.

Notes: Concise context, alternate names, or historical details that clarify each entry without overwhelming your quick lookup.

Japanese gods that start with O

NameAlternate namesDomainMeaning
OkuninushiOnamuchi, Ashiharashikoo, YachihokoNation-building, farming, medicine, marriageGreat Land Master
OmoikaneYagokoro-Omoikane-no-mikotoWisdom, intelligence, counselServing One’s Thoughts
OyamatsumiWatashi-no-Oyamatsumi-no-kamiMountains, forests, seaGreat Mountain Possessor
OwatatsumiRyujin, Watatsumi-no-kamiSea, oceans, marine lifeGreat Sea Possessor
OgetsuhimeOgetsuhime-no-kamiFood, grain, sericultureGreat Food Princess
OmononushiMiwa-no-Okami, Miwa-myojinProtection, sake brewing, medicineGreat Master of All Things
OotoshigamiOtoshi-no-kamiHarvest, agriculture, the New YearGreat Year God
OshihomimiAme-no-oshihomimi-no-mikotoRice cultivation, sovereigntyGreat August Ears (of grain)
OkitsushimahimeOkitsushima-hime-no-mikotoSea, maritime safety, trafficPrincess of the Offshore Island
OkinagatarashihimeEmpress JinguEasy childbirth, military victory, navigationLong-breathing Princess
OkamiKuraokami, Takaokami-no-kamiRain, snow, waterDragon Deity
OmodaruOmodaru-no-kamiEarth, completion, beautyPerfected-face Lord
OshirasamaO-shira-samaAgriculture, silkworms, horses, household fortuneLord of Announcement (theory)
OnamuchiOkuninushi (later name)Land development, healingGreat Name Possessor
OsakabehimeOsakabe-myojinProtection of Himeji CastlePrincess of Osakabe
OkitsuhikoOkitsu-hiko-no-kamiKitchen, hearth, firePrince of the Inner (Hearth)
OkitsuhimeOhe-tsu-hime-no-kamiKitchen, hearth, foodPrincess of the Inner (Hearth)
OdoyamatsumiOdo-yamatsumi-no-kamiMountain slopes and passesLord of the Mountain Slopes

Descriptions

Okuninushi
A central kami of the Izumo myths who built the land. He is famously enshrined at the Izumo Grand Shrine and is revered as a god of good relationships and happiness.
Omoikane
The kami of wisdom who devised the plan to lure Amaterasu out of her cave. He represents brilliant ideas and collective intelligence, worshipped at shrines like Togakushi Shrine’s Chusha.
Oyamatsumi
The chief god of Japan’s mountains and father of Konohanasakuya-hime, wife of Ninigi. He is the head of all mountain spirits (yamatsumi) and is enshrined at Oyamazumi Shrine.
Owatatsumi
A powerful dragon god who rules the seas, father of Princess Toyotama-hime. Worshipped by sailors and fishermen for safe passage at Watatsumi shrines across Japan.
Ogetsuhime
A goddess of cereals and food from the Kojiki. After being slain, the five essential grains, beans, and silkworms emerged from her body, providing sustenance for humanity.
Omononushi
The powerful kami of Mount Miwa, often identified with Okuninushi’s spirit. He is one of Japan’s oldest deities, sometimes appearing as a snake, and is enshrined at Omiwa Shrine.
Ootoshigami
A son of Susanoo and kami of the year’s harvest. He is prayed to at the beginning of the year for a bountiful crop and prosperity, worshipped at many agricultural shrines.
Oshihomimi
The son of Amaterasu and the original chosen ruler of the earthly realm. He deferred the role to his own son, Ninigi, making him a key link in the imperial lineage.
Okitsushimahime
One of the three Munakata goddesses born from Susanoo’s sword. She is enshrined on the sacred island of Okinoshima, protecting maritime routes between Japan and Korea.
Okinagatarashihime
The deified name of the legendary Empress Jingu, mother of Emperor Ojin (Hachiman). She is a central figure in the Hachiman faith, enshrined at Usa Jingu and Sumiyoshi Taisha.
Okami
A dragon deity of water, born from the blood of the fire god Kagutsuchi when he was slain. Kuraokami governs rain in valleys while Takaokami governs it in mountains.
Omodaru
One of the final pair of primordial deities before Izanagi and Izanami. Paired with Ayakashikone-no-kami, they represent the completion and beauty of the physical world.
Oshirasama
A folk deity from the Tohoku region, often represented by a pair of mulberry wood sticks with cloth “kimono.” Oshirasama is a household god connected to a tragic legend of a girl and her horse.
Onamuchi
An early name for the god Okuninushi, used in stories of his youth and trials before he became the great ruler of the Izumo region. This name is associated with his many adventures.
Osakabehime
The guardian deity of Himeji Castle, often depicted as a beautiful woman or a giant bat yokai. She is a syncretic figure, both a powerful kami and a prominent character in folklore.
Okitsuhiko
The male kami of the kamado, or traditional Japanese kitchen stove. Paired with his sister Okitsuhime, he protects the household’s fire and ensures meals are cooked safely.
Okitsuhime
The female kami of the kamado, or kitchen stove. She is a daughter of Ootoshigami and, along with her brother Okitsuhiko, is a guardian of the household kitchen and domestic safety.
Odoyamatsumi
One of the eight mountain deities (yamatsumi) born from Izanagi and Izanami. This kami specifically governs the slopes and passes of mountains, representing a specific spiritual presence within a mountain.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.