Okinoshima is a remote Japanese island where women are not allowed because the site hosts one of the oldest and most sacred temples. The people believe that women will defile this area that’s why they are not given permission to visit the site.
Shinto shrine is among the sites which United Nations Education, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) wants to include in the 2017 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. But the local people fear that it may attract tourism and can result in women entering the sacred shrine.
Some believes that after being listed in UNESCO the shrine will become more known among the Japanese people and it may change the situation of the temple which is one of elast visited shrine because of being located on a remote island.
During 4th to 9th century people visited the shrine to pray for safe voyages in the sea and safety of their loved ones.