Itsukushima shrine

The Itsukushima shrine is a Shinto temple on the island of Miyajima (aka Itsukushima) in the Seto inland sea near Hiroshima, Japan. The island has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. The first shrine buildings here were probably erected in 593, while the current structures, which are constructed over water and feature the famous floating torii gate, were constructed in 1168. The vermilion-coloures main buildings create a beautiful contrast with the blue sea and green mountains. The shrine is supposed to be accessed by passing through the dramatic torii gate, one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. The view of the gate in front of the island's Mount Misen is classified as one of the Three Views of Japan. The tsukushima shrine has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.