Ise Shrine

One of Japan's most important shrines. It was built in the 10th century and is located in the city of Ise in Mie Prefecture. It contains an Inner Shrine and an Outer Shrine, and the Inner Shrine is said to enshrine Amaterasu, the mythological ancestor of the imperial family. Because of the Inner Shrine's particular importance, all other shrines in Japan are prohibited from adopting its unique architecture. (adapted from Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha, 1993)