Itsukushima Shrine

Inscribed:1996
The island of Itsukushima, in the inland sea of Seto, has been the holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. Its first temples were probably built in the sixth century. The present shrine dates from the 13th century and its harmoniously arranged buildings show great artistic and technical qualities. The shrine plays on the contrasts of colors and shapes between sea and mountains and perfectly illustrates the Japanese idea of scenic beauty, combining nature and human creativity.