This list includes 13 Japanese gods that start with S, from “Sarutahiko” to “Suwa Myojin”. They include major shrine deities, mythic ancestors, and regional folk gods, useful for study, writing, and travel.
Japanese gods that start with S are Shinto kami and local spirits with names beginning in S under Hepburn romanization. Many, such as “Sarutahiko”, appear in core myths and remain venerated at active shrines today.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Romanization, Domain, Symbols, and Shrine/Region.
Name: The deity’s common English or romaji name, so you can quickly identify and match it to texts or shrine signage.
Romanization: Hepburn spelling shows pronunciation and lets you sort alphabetically, which helps you find entries and cross-reference sources.
Domain: Short phrase describes each god’s role or sphere, so you can judge relevance for research, writing, or travel interests.
Symbols: One to three key icons or items connected to the deity, helping you recognize images, rituals, or shrine offerings.
Shrine/Region: Primary shrine or regional association gives context for pilgrimages, local traditions, and where you can see active worship today.
Japanese gods that start with S
| Name | Japanese (kanji/kana) | Alternate names | Domain & Symbols | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susanoo | 須佐之男命／素戔嗚尊 | Susanoo-no-Mikoto; Susa-no-O | Storms, sea; sword, serpent | Spirited storm and sea god, famed for slaying the eight-headed serpent and wielding the Kusanagi sword. |
| Sarutahiko | 猿田彦大神 | Sarutahiko Ōkami; Sarutahiko-no-Okami | Guidance, crossroads; staff | A powerful guide deity who led the heavenly deities to earth, often invoked for safe travel and crossroads blessings. |
| Sukunahikona | 少彦名命 | Sukunabikona; Sukunahiko | Healing, nation-building; medicine, sake | Tiny but mighty god of medicine, brewing, and craftsmen who helped Ōkuninushi shape the land and bring healing arts. |
| Shinatsuhiko | 級長津彦命 | Shinatsuhiko-no-Mikoto | Wind; breeze | Ancient wind deity recorded in the Kojiki, worshipped as a personification of winds for agriculture and travel. |
| Shinatsuhime | 級長津姫命 | Shinatobe; Shinatsuhime-no-Mikoto | Wind; breeze | Female wind kami often paired with Shinatsuhiko, honored at shrines for gentle winds and crop protection. |
| Suijin | 水神 | Mizugami; Suijin-sama | Water; fish, waterfall | General term for water deities venerated at wells, rivers, and springs as protectors of fisheries, irrigation, and crossings. |
| Sumiyoshi | 住吉神 | Sumiyoshi no Kami; Sumiyoshi-sama | Sea, navigation; boat, tide | Collective name for sea‑protecting kami worshipped at Sumiyoshi shrines, guardians of sailors and maritime travel. |
| Sokotsutsu | 底筒男命 | Sokotsutsu-no-O-no-Mikoto | Sea, tides; shell, wave | One of the Sumiyoshi sea gods, associated with the deep sea and tidal protection for ships and coasts. |
| Somin Shorai | 蘇民将来 | Somin Shōrai | Plague protection; talisman, straw rope | Folk hero-deity whose legend yields protective talismans against epidemics, still invoked in folk rites for health. |
| Sekizan Myojin | 赤山明神 | Sekizan; Sekizan Myōjin | Protection, borders; mountain, sword | Deity with Tendai–Buddhist ties worshipped as a protector of boundaries, temples, and local communities. |
| Shinra Myojin | 新羅明神 | Shinra Myōjin | Patronage, protection; ship, mirror | Syncretic deity linked to the ancient Korean kingdom Silla, historically venerated for protection and trade connections. |
| Shitateruhime | 下照姫命 | Shitateru-hime | Household, beauty; mirror, comb | Local kami associated with domestic wellbeing and beauty, enshrined in some locales as a gentle household protector. |
| Suwa Myojin | 諏訪明神 | Suwa Myōjin; Suwa Daimyōjin | Hunting, warfare; spear, deer | Honorific name for the Suwa shrine deity (Takeminakata), worshipped for martial prowess, hunting, and local protection. |