Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima, Hiroshima, Japan Stock Image

The name Itsukushima literally means `island of worship` and from ancient times the island itself was worshipped as a god. The mystical Itsukushima Shrine built on the water was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996. A place where people have long carried out ancient rites, Itsukushima Shrine has become world renowned, attracting visitors from all over Japan and the rest of the world. It was originally built in 593CE by Saeki no Kumamoto. Later, Taira no Kiyomori became heavily involved with the shrine.