Here you’ll find 6 Japanese gods that start with B, organized from “Bato Kannon” to “Byakkoshin”. These entries include Buddhist-influenced bodhisattvas, Shinto kami, and regional folk deities with localized cults. Use this list as a quick reference for study, storytelling, or planning shrine visits.

Japanese gods that start with B are deities and spirit beings from Shinto, Buddhist, and folk traditions whose romanized names begin with B. For example, “Bato Kannon”—the horse-headed guardian—shows how Buddhist and folk beliefs blend in Japanese practice.

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

Name: The most common romanized or English name for the deity, so you can quickly identify who each entry refers to.

Reading: Hepburn romanization or kana reading, helping you pronounce names correctly and locate them alphabetically.

Domain: A short phrase describing the deity’s main role or sphere, so you see their function at a glance.

Symbols: One to three common icons or motifs tied to the deity, aiding visual recognition and quick research.

Notes: Brief contextual details like origin, major shrines, or variant names, useful for study or visiting purposes.

Japanese gods that start with B

NameAlternate namesDomainSymbols
BenzaitenBenten (弁天), Benzaitennyo (弁財天女)Water, music, arts, wealthBiwa (lute), snake, white dragon
BimbogamiBinbougami (貧乏神)Poverty, misfortuneDirty clothes, broken fan, grimy appearance
BishamontenTamonten (多聞天), Bishamon (毘沙門)War, warriors, good fortune, lawPagoda, spear (hoko), armor
BinzuruBinzuru Sonja (賓頭盧尊者), PindolaHealing, medicineRed bib, worn wooden statue
Bato KannonMezu Kannon (馬頭観音)Protector of animals, travel, compassionHorse head (in crown), fierce expression, axe
ByakkoshinByakko (白虎)West direction, autumn, martial artsWhite tiger

Descriptions

Benzaiten
One of the Seven Lucky Gods. Originally the Hindu goddess Saraswati, she is a kami of everything that flows: water, words, music, and fortune. She is enshrined throughout Japan, often near lakes, ponds, and islands like Enoshima.
Bimbogami
A folk kami who brings poverty and misery to a household. Rather than being worshipped, this god is the target of rituals designed to expel him from the home, especially around the New Year. Included as a well-attested folk deity.
Bishamonten
One of the Seven Lucky Gods and Four Heavenly Kings. Originally the Hindu deity Vaisravana, he is a warrior god who protects against evil and bestows treasure. A popular figure in Japanese folk religion, venerated by warriors for centuries.
Binzuru
One of the sixteen Arhats (disciples of Buddha). Statues are placed outside temples, and worshippers rub a part of the statue and then their own corresponding body part, believing it will cure ailments. A key figure in Japanese folk healing.
Bato Kannon
A wrathful manifestation of the Bodhisattva Kannon, distinguished by a horse head in his crown. In Japanese folk religion, he is a beloved protector of horses and livestock, with many stone monuments dedicated to him in rural areas.
Byakkoshin
The White Tiger god, one of the Four Symbols (Shishin) from Chinese cosmology guarding the cardinal directions. Representing the west, this figure was integrated into Japanese Onmyōdō and is enshrined at places like Heian Shrine in Kyoto.
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