Ise Jingu (Ise Shrine), Ise, Mie Prefecture

Ise shrine is considered by most Japanese to be the holiest site in the nation. It is made up of two separate complexes. The inner Shrine, or Naiku, dates from the third century. It is dedicated to the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami, and was built to house the sacred mirror, one of Three Sacred Treasures of Japan (Sanshu no Jingi) that are believed to symbolize the divine authority of the Imperial family. The main building of the Inner Shrine is built in a sacred style called shimmei-zukuri, which is not permitted to be used anywhere else. The building has a very simple rectangular plan that is reminiscent of the old rice granaries. It is surrounded by magnificent and majestic Japanese cypress trees, called the Sacred Forest of Ise Jingu. The Outer Shrine, or Geku, is several miles away and is thought to be from the fifth century. It is dedicated to Toyouke Okami, the goddess of food, agriculture, industry, clothing and shelter.

One thing that is very unique about this shrine is that it is reborn every twenty years. On an immediately adjoining site the shrine is faithfully reconstructed according to the original design and using traditional methods, tools and materials (primarily Japanese white cypress, also known as cryptomeria or hinoki). It takes twenty years to complete. When it is done, the older building is entirely dismantled, and construction of the next generation of the structure is immediately begun on the vacated site. This rebuilding ceremony was initiated more than 1,400 years ago.

More information:
Japan Guide: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4300.html
Sacred Destinations: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/ise-shrine
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ise_Grand_Shrine