6. Ise Jingu, Japan

The Grand Shrine of Ise is a complex of Shinto shrines located in Ise, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun in Shinto mythology. The main shrine is specifically dedicated to her, and the Inner Shrine, “Kōtai Jingū,” is believed to be the place where the goddess dwells.

The structures are built out of cypress wood, joined together naturally with no nails to hold them together. Beautiful as the place may be, tourists are not allowed inside the sanctuary itself, though are allowed to roam in the forests around it.