Located in the middle of Amanohashidate, a long sandbar dividing a bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture, this shrine of the same name is not only dedicated to the unique landmass, but also the heavenly bridge for which it’s named. It was said that the god Izanagi-no-kami would cross the bridge to heaven every day between the mortal world that he and his wife made, and the realms of heaven where his wife waited for him.

For the casual: 3. For the educated: 4.

There really isn’t much reason to visit this shrine despite the mythology it represents. It’s far from any real city, it’s not manned by any staff or priests, and it’s very small in size that despite standing in the middle of the trail along the sandbar, there’s still a chance to miss it. All of that being said, it’s very beautiful and has weathered very nicely. Dark wood, spots of moss, and shaded by gorgeous cypress trees bring out the natural beauty of the shrine.