Japan's second oldest Shinto shrine, after that of Ise, has been in existence since the 7C. The 24m/80ft-high main shrine (Hon-den), dates from 1744 and is crowned by a double-sloped roof made out cypress bark and edged by curved awnings. The guardian of the shrine, Okuninushi, god of the earth and nature, brings joy and peace to human relations, in particular to married couples. He is particularly popular with young women hoping to be married.