This list includes 4 Japanese gods that start with G, from “Gassan no Kami” to “Gozu Tennō”. It covers major Shinto kami, regional and folk deities, and examples useful for study or travel.

Japanese gods that start with G are deities and spirits from Shinto, Buddhism, and local folklore whose names begin with G. For example, “Gozu Tennō” illustrates long-standing Shinto–Buddhist syncretism in Japanese religious history.

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

Name: The standardized English and romanized name so you can quickly identify each listed deity.

Reading: Hepburn romanization and kana give you pronunciation and help with accurate alphabetizing in lists.

Domain: A concise phrase describing the deity’s sphere, so you can match gods to themes or stories.

Symbols: One to three common icons or motifs that help you visually recognize or research the deity.

Shrine/Region: Primary shrine or locale associated with the deity, helping you plan visits or cultural research.

Notes: Brief historical, syncretic, or variant-name details to give quick context and useful cross-references for research.

Japanese gods that start with G

NameJapanese (Kanji/Kana)Primary source or main shrineDomain
Gassan no Kami月山の神 (がっさんのかみ)Gassan ShrineMoon, afterlife, the past
Genten Kōjin源典荒神 (げんてんこうじん)Seichō-ji TempleHearth, protection, martial luck
Gion no Kami祇園の神 (ぎおんのかみ)Yasaka ShrinePestilence, purification, prosperity
Gozu Tennō牛頭天王 (ごずてんのう)Yasaka ShrineDisease, epidemics, justice, purification

Descriptions

Gassan no Kami
The deity of Mount Gassan, one of the Three Mountains of Dewa. He is often identified with the moon god Tsukuyomi and represents the past in the Dewa Sanzan pilgrimage, guiding souls through the afterlife. Symbols: Moon, rabbit.
Genten Kōjin
A fierce, syncretic deity revered as a protector of the Minamoto clan. As a form of Kōjin, he is a guardian of the hearth and purity, and was also invoked by warriors for success in battle. Symbols: Fire, swords.
Gion no Kami
The deity of Kyoto’s Gion district, enshrined at Yasaka Shrine. Closely identified with Gozu Tennō and Susanoo, this kami is venerated for protection from epidemics and is the focus of the famous Gion Matsuri festival. Symbols: Cucumber, hollyhock.
Gozu Tennō
A powerful syncretic deity who can both cause and cure plagues. Originally from Buddhist traditions, he became the central figure of the Gion festival and is now strongly identified with the storm god Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Symbols: Ox head, goshōguruma (ox cart).
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