Itsukushima Jinja is an important Shinto shrine located in Japan's Hatsukaichi City. It is easily recognizable due to its famous "floating" torii gate. The shrine complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to several national treasures. It is renowned for its dramatic gate, sacred Mount Misen, extensive forests, and ocean views. History wise, it is said to have been originally built by Saeki Kuramoto during the reign of Empress Suiko (592–628 CE). However, the present shrine has been popularly attributed to Taira no Kiyomori, a prominent noble from the Imperial Court. Kiyomori constructed the shrine with reverence to the tutelary god of navigation, and Japanese people generally considered the island to be dedicated to the gods. As such, only religious activities are allowed there, as commoners were forbidden from setting foot on the island until 1878. Nowadays, countless tourists visit each year to bask in the breathtaking beauty of this cultural and historical landmark.