Okinoshima island in Japan is being considered to be recognized as a World Heritage Site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The island is famous for not allowing women to visit for centuries now, over religious concerns.
The island is home to a shrine called the Munakata Taisha Okitsumiya, which honors a goddess of the sea. They believe that she helps to keep the passing ships safe. The island has been used as a passing point between the Korean Peninsula and China since the fourth century.
Archeologists have discovered over 80,000 artifacts on the island that are considered national treasures, such as cups and gold rings.
In addition to the ban on women, all men entering the island must get naked and undergo a cleansing ritual before they can come on. The island’s rules will remain the same, even if it gets turned into a World Heritage Site.
