Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, Kyoto

Nestled about 2 kilometers north of the Botanical Gardens sits one of Japan's oldest shrines, a relic from the time when Kyoto was but a twinkle in the city planner's eye. Established way back in 679, it pays homage to Raijin, the thunder god, earning its place among Kyoto's elite as one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The buildings standing tall today, numbering more than forty, including the impressive Haiden hall, are like Hollywood sets - exact replicas from the 17th to 19th centuries.

For many, this shrine is like the cozy nook of Kyoto's spiritual scene, boasting a vast expanse of greenery that's as refreshing as a slice of watermelon on a scorching summer's day. Positioned upstream from its sibling, Shimogamo Jinja, it's reached via open fields used for the kind of grand shindigs you'd expect at the Aoi Festival. Come spring, you'll find horse races; come autumn, it's horse archery and a pint-sized sumo smackdown for the kiddos. Oh, and tucked nearby is a grove where Heian-era poetry buffs gather, dressed to the nines in kimono, penning verses by a babbling brook.

Now, don't be spooked by those two mysterious sand cones in the outer compound. Legend has it they're symbolic yin-yang doodles representing the shrine's sacred Mount Ko, onto which the 'kami' first descended. Venture deeper, and you'll encounter a jaw-dropping multistory red gate, standing tall like a bouncer outside a VIP club. And get this – there are not one, but two sanctuaries for the 'kami', like having a main house and a backup crib for when renovations hit.

Once upon a time, the Kamo clan ran the show here, and some of their descendants still kick it in the hood. According to clan gossip, their ancestor was a three-legged crow named Yatagarasu – cue dramatic music. This crow might've been the clan's original spirit animal, channeling some serious crow shaman energy. And guess what? The Japanese football team has adopted this three-legged bird as their mascot. Hey, with three legs, they're bound to score a goal or two!