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World’s most-visited sacred sites

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  • Meiji Shrine and Sensoji-Temple, Tokyo
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, India
  • Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico City
  • Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams Temple, India
  • Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
  • Meiji Shrine and Sensoji-Temple, Tokyo
    Meiji Shrine and Sensoji-Temple, Tokyo

    Built 100 years ago to honour the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the tranquil Meiji Shinto shrine is surrounded by a holy forest of more than 100,000 trees. Sensoji, also in central Tokyo, was dedicated to Bodhisattva Kannon, the most compassionate Buddha, in 628. Continuing centuries-long tradition, stalls along the temple’s Nakamise Street sell goods to visitors — whose numbers swell around New Year’s. Annual visitors: 30 million each. (Julie Nassiet)

Meiji Shrine and Sensoji-Temple, Tokyo

Built 100 years ago to honour the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the tranquil Meiji Shinto shrine is surrounded by a holy forest of more than 100,000 trees. Sensoji, also in central Tokyo, was dedicated to Bodhisattva Kannon, the most compassionate Buddha, in 628. Continuing centuries-long tradition, stalls along the temple’s Nakamise Street sell goods to visitors — whose numbers swell around New Year’s. Annual visitors: 30 million each. (Julie Nassiet)

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