June 27, 2025

Torii Gates: Pathways to the Spiritual World

 

 

Torii Gate on Water

 

One of the most iconic symbols of Japan is the torii gate. They not only mark the entrances of the estimated 90,000 Shinto shrines across Japan but also the transition between the mundane and the sacred. They have become instantly recognizable parts of the Japanese landscape, both culturally and spiritually, attracting visitors the world over. 

Let’s take a look at the origin of torii gates and get to know some of the most popular torii sites in Japan. 

 

What Are Torii Gates? 

Simple in construction and design (made of two vertical posts and two horizontal cross bars) torii gates are the structures that mark the entrances to Shinto shrines. They reflect Japanese aesthetic tastes, focusing on natural beauty, purity, and simplicity. While most torii are painted red or vermillion (a color thought to ward off evil spirits and disaster), others are painted black or maintain their natural stone-gray, or natural wood exterior based on local traditions and customs. 

 

Tozan Shrine Arita Pottery Torii Gate

 

As iconic and significant as torii are, their origin remains a mystery. Some believe the name “torii” comes from the word “tori-iru,” or bird perch, as they hold religious significance in neighboring cultures like Korea. Others believe the design may have been inspired by Buddhist monuments found in China and India called “torana” and was slowly adapted to become uniquely Japanese. 

Over time, torii gates have changed in design and have grown in significance. They’ve been crafted out of wood, stone, metal, and even pottery. Despite Japan’s modernity, torii gates act as glimpses into its past, symbols of a history that is still alive today. 

 

Japan’s Most Iconic Torii Gates 

 

Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate

 

Itsukushima Shrine - Miyajima 

One of the most breathtaking Torii has to be the one located at Itsukushima Shrine on the small island of Miyajima, off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture. It is a World Heritage Site shrine dedicated to gods who protect people against natural disasters from the sea. It is unmistakable, standing tall just offshore and appearing to float on the sea during high tide. 

 

Fushimi Inari Shrine Torii Gates

 

Fushimi Inari Shrine - Kyoto 

Arguably one of the most famous places in Japan, Fushimi Inari Shrine is located in Kyoto and is home to an estimated 10,000 torii gates. The shrine itself is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice harvest and business, so the gates are largely purchased and dedicated by Japanese businesses in hopes of prompting abundance and success.

 

Meiji Shrine Torri Gate

 

Meiji Shrine - Tokyo 

Located in the heart of Tokyo and surrounded by a lush forest, the torii gate at Meiji Shrine is striking. Rather than the typical vermillion you’d expect, Meiji Shrine’s torii gate is unpainted, reflecting the natural beauty of its surroundings. The bare wood blends in with neighboring trees making it a memorable and moving sight. 

 

Kumano Hongu Taisha Torri Gate

 

Kumano Hongu Taisha - Wakayama

Famous for being the largest torii gate in the world at 33.9 meters (~111 feet) in height and 42 meters (183 feet) wide, Otorii, as it is known, was constructed from metal in 2000. It marks the entrance to the head shrine for all 3,000 Kumano shrines across Japan. 

 

Motonosumi Shrine Torii Gate

 

Motonosumi Shrine - Yamaguchi 

Built in 1955, Motonosumi Shrine is relatively new in terms of Japanese history, but it is also one of the most striking! That’s because leading to the shrine is a winding footpath of 123 red torii gates. Standing atop the cliff where the shrine is located, you can look down to see the bright red torii gates beautifully contrasted against the green of the cliffside and the blue ocean beyond.

 

 

About the author: 

Kevin Kilcoyne

Kevin Kilcyone

The spark that lit Kevin Kilcoyne’s interest in Japanese culture began in elementary school through a friendship with his then classmate Keisuke. Since then, that passion has evolved and bloomed to encompass more than just video games and manga, leading Kevin to live in Japan as a participant of the JET program. During his time in Japan, Kevin sought out as many foods as he could, the experiences and taste memories lingering long after they had gone. Now he is forging a path to link his passions for Japanese food, history, and visual culture and is planning for his return to live in Japan once again. For now, you can find Kevin on Instagram (@waruishouten) where he posts his photography and illustration work. Keep an eye out for more posts and updates as Kevin delves more deeply into his passions for writing and food.

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