This list includes 6 Japanese gods that start with Y, from “Yahiko” to “Yatagarasu”. It mixes major shrine kami and regional folk deities and uses Hepburn romanization for consistent ordering. You can use it for study, writing, travel planning, or quick reference.

Japanese gods that start with Y are Shinto kami and well‑attested folk deities whose names begin with the letter Y in Hepburn romanization. One notable example is Yatagarasu, the three‑legged crow that guides Emperor Jimmu in early Japanese legend.

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

Name: The deity’s common name in Hepburn romanization; you use it to identify and alphabetize each entry quickly.

Domain: A concise phrase describing the deity’s main sphere of influence, helping you understand their role at a glance.

Symbols: One to three iconic items or animals associated with the deity, which you can use for visual research or motifs.

Main Shrine: The principal shrine or well‑known worship site linked to the deity, useful if you plan visits or further reading.

Notes: Short clarifications on origin, variant names, and notable myths that give you helpful context for each listing.

Japanese gods that start with Y

NameJapaneseMeaningDomain
Yahiko弥彦/やひこincreasing princemountain, protector
Yama-no-Kami山の神/やまのかみmountain godmountains (trees, rocks)
Yamatohime倭姫命/やまとひめのみことYamato princessshrine founder (Ise)
Yamato Takeru日本武尊/やまとたけるのみことbrave of Yamatowar, travel (sword)
Yamatsumi山津見神/やまつみmountain spiritmountains (peaks)
Yatagarasu八咫烏/やたがらすeight-span crowguidance (crow)

Descriptions

Yahiko
Mountain kami of Echigo, worshipped as Yahiko Daimyōjin at Yahiko Shrine (Niigata); regional protector and pilgrimage focus.
Yama-no-Kami
Folk mountain deity found across Japan, protector of hunters, woodcutters and villagers; often enshrined at peaks, ridges or trailheads.
Yamatohime
Princess recorded in the Nihon Shoki who is said to have founded Ise Shrine and established Amaterasu’s cult; revered at Ise and related shrines.
Yamato Takeru
Legendary prince in Kojiki/Nihon Shoki later venerated as a kami; associated with the Kusanagi sword and worship at several shrines including Atsuta.
Yamatsumi
Ancient mountain god attested in the Kojiki, guardian of highlands and hunters; worshipped in mountain shrines as a powerful yama-no-kami.
Yatagarasu
Three‑legged crow messenger that guided Emperor Jimmu in myth; worshipped at Kumano Hayatama Shrine and seen as a symbol of divine guidance.
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