When we daydream about travel, the first things we often visualize are icons of architecture that are inextricably linked to our sense of place. Cities are immediately connected to images—take the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Seattle’s Space Needle, and the Duomo in Florence for example. Entire countries are represented similarly: There are the windmills of Holland and the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Japan is often symbolized by an elegant, bright red gate known as the torii gate.
Before you step through these iconic gates on your next trip to Japan, learn the language to better understand the different types of torii gates and their purposes. Rosetta Stone’s conversational Japanese lessons use words and images to help you connect with context, so you can share your admiration for these landmarks with the locals confidently.
What is a torii gate?
Japanese torii gates hold cultural and spiritual significance in Japan. They are traditionally made of wood or stone painted red and are the entrances to Shinto shrines and other sacred spaces. Torii mark the transition between our world and the divine, where kami (spiritual entities) are welcomed to pass.
Beyond their religious and cultural importance, torii gates have become iconic symbols of Japan, attracting tourists and visitors captivated by their beauty and symbolism. The journey through a torii gate is not just a physical passage but also a spiritual one, inviting individuals to connect with the rich tapestry of Japanese traditions and beliefs.
Do all torii gates serve the same purpose?
Torii gates are more than simply architectural decorations—they represent various religious, cultural, and symbolic meanings that are an important part of spiritual and traditional culture in Japan. Some of their different purposes are listed below.
Entrance to a sacred space
The fundamental role of torii gates is to mark the entrance to Shinto shrines and other sacred spaces. They symbolize the transition from the secular to the sacred, marking the boundary between the human world and the spiritual realm.
Shinto religious symbol
Torii gates are most closely associated with Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan. They represent a portal between the physical and spiritual, embodying the connection between our world and the divine. Passing through a torii gate is considered a symbolic act of purification.
Ceremonial and ritual purposes
Torii gates are integral to various Shinto ceremonies and rituals. They may be involved in rites of passage, festivals, or specific religious events, adding a layer of sacredness to these occasions.
Guardianship and protection
The bright red vermillion of a Japanese torii gate is associated with protection and good fortune. It’s traditionally believed to keep evil spirits at bay.
Celebration of nature
Torii gates are frequently located in scenic natural settings, such as mountains, forests, or along coastlines. Some gates built over water appear to be floating. This placement emphasizes the harmony between the spiritual and natural worlds, inviting worshippers to connect with the beauty of nature.
Cultural identity
Torii gates have become iconic symbols of Japanese culture and identity. They are often featured in art, literature, and popular media, representing a distinctive element of the country’s heritage.
Cultural tourism
Many torii gate sites have gained popularity as tourist destinations due to their cultural and aesthetic appeal. Some, like the “floating” gate at Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima that has been honored as a UNESCO Heritage site, are beautiful and important historically.
Do all torii gates look the same?
The architecture of these sacred doorways follows a basic structure of upright posts called hashira that support two lintels (horizontal cross beams). The kasagi (upper lintel) is often gently curved, and the nuki (lower lintel) is sometimes hung with a sacred twisted rope known as a shimenawa.
It’s easy to default to an overly simplistic idea of what a torii gate looks like—a red rectangle emerging from the earth. But closer inspection will reveal subtle differences.
Myoshin torii
The Myojin torii is a more decorative style of torii gate. It’s distinguished by double lintels with a gently curved design. Typically, both hashira exhibit a slight inward inclination, and the connection between lintels and tie beam is a supporting strut known as gakuzuka. There is also usually a gaku (a plaque or marker) displaying the name of the shrine.
Shinmei torii
The Shinmei torii is a more straightforward variant of the torii gate, recognized by its single straight lintel with round components that intersect at right angles. Gaku are not typically seen on a Shinmei torii.
Torii gate color meanings
We usually think of red as the color for torii gates, but before the arrival of Buddhism, most of them were white. White was considered a calm color of purity, holiness, and protection.
The origin of red torii gates is associated with a distinctive belief known as Shinbutsu-Shugo, a concept that signifies a blending of Shinto and Buddhism that once held considerable influence throughout Japan. In Buddhism, the color red represents a sacred atmosphere and vital force. Consequently, ancient people began painting torii gates at Shinto shrines in red. The red hue is also believed to possess protective qualities against evil spirits, and it is frequently used in Inari Shrines dedicated to the deity of harvest.
Some torii are adorned in different hues depending on the orientation of the shrine to the gate. When the shrine is in the center, the gate is yellow. If it is to the north, the gate is black. If the shrine is to the east, the gate is blue.
Can you walk under a torii gate?
The short answer is yes! When visiting sacred sites, you can pass through a torii gate, however, it’s important to follow the rules of etiquette. A single bow in front of the gate shows respect, and you should pass slightly to one side or another because the center path is reserved for the kami.
Once you have passed through the portal, there are additional customs of proper conduct that should be followed depending on what kind of site you are visiting.
Entering shrines
Shrines are the sacred places of the Shinto religion, and they are dedicated to kami. These can be nature-based, as in the living spirits of trees, water, wind, or mountains, or they can be dedicated to honor people like shogun or emperors.
As with most any sacred location, it’s important to dress in a manner appropriate for the place and to behave quietly and respectfully. Always follow the directions of signs and staff regarding protocol for photography and manners.
- Remove your shoes before entering the shrine.
- When you reach the torii gate, bow, then pass on one side or the other, never through the center.
- Stop at the water basin (temizuya or chozuya) and take the ladle in your left hand. Rinse your right hand first, followed by your left hand, then take a bit of water into your mouth and rinse. Discreetly spit it into the basin provided—never spit it back into the fountain and never swallow. This water ritual purifies the visitor before prayer.
- Continue to the honden (main hall), where it is customary to make an offering (a five yen coin is considered lucky).
- Either clap twice or pull the rope if there is a bell—this will alert the resident kami to your presence.
- Bow twice before prayer, then once to conclude the ritual.
Must-visit torii gates across Japan
The abundance of torii gates throughout Japan can make choosing which to visit an overwhelming decision. There’s something to appeal to everyone, and we’ve picked a few favorites to add to your itinerary.
Say it like a local! Our TruAccent speech engine compares your voice to native speakers and gives you immediate feedback on your pronunciation, so you can ask about all of these locations with confidence.
The great floating torii at Itsukushima shrine
This is arguably the best-known torii and a must-see for any visitor. It is recognized as a national treasure by the Japanese government, and in 1996 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being a “supreme example of this form of religious center, setting traditional architecture of great artistic and technical merit against a dramatic natural background and thereby creating a work of art of incomparable physical beauty.”
The famous floating gate is located in Hiroshima Bay on Miyajima, an island that has been worshiped as a god for centuries. The gate is constructed over water, creating the illusion of floating in the sea during high tide. Boardwalks interconnect the shrine and other features on the island including the honden (a prayer hall) and even a noh theater.
Heiwa-no-Torii
Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, the torii gate of Hakone Shrine adorns the lakeside of Lake Ashi surrounded by cedar trees and the distant Mount Fuji. Dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185), Hakone Shrine is an integral part of Hakone’s scenery, creating a spiritual ambiance with the tale of the nine-headed dragon, Kuzuryu, and the enshrined spirits, Hakone Okami.
The traditional pilgrimage to the shrine involves a hike through tall trees, passing vermilion lanterns and various-sized torii gates showcasing Shinto grounds established in the eighth century. Ascending a series of stairs leads to Hakone-jinja’s main buildings, where worshippers pay homage to Amaterasu, the sun goddess. The landscape also unveils the renowned floating torii, erected in 1951 to honor the WWII Peace Treaty, called Heiwa Torii, “The Great Gate of Peace.”
Hakone Shrine hosts diverse festivals, such as the Ashinoko Summer Festival Week, featuring a magnificent fireworks display.
Oyunohara torii
Kumano Hongu Taisha originally resided at Oyunohara, a sandbank where the Kumano and Otonashi Rivers meet. According to legend, the Kumano deities descended as three moons into the branches of a massive oak tree in this clearing, making it a sacred site to which all Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes lead.
In 1889, a severe flood devastated many shrine buildings, leading to the reconstruction of salvaged pavilion remains at the current location. The expansive raised earthen platform, where the pavilions once stood, remains visible, with only three of the original five pavilions rebuilt. While four deities were relocated, eight still rest here in two stone monuments.
The entrance to Oyunohara is distinguished by the world’s largest torii shrine gate, measuring 33.9 meters in height and 42 meters in width. Known as Otorii, with “O” meaning “big,” it symbolizes the boundary between the secular and spiritual realms. Erected in 2000 from steel, the 172-ton Otorii took six months to create and another six months to assemble. It is illuminated during special events and festivals, like the Kumano Hongu Taisha Spring Festival, Yata-no-Hi Matsuri Fire Festival, and the New Year holiday.
Motonosumi-jinja shrine
Motonosumi-jinja Shrine, situated along the northern coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture by the Sea of Japan, has garnered popularity in recent years due to its picturesque setting. Despite its relatively short history—it was established in 1955 by a man inspired by a white fox spirit—the shrine stands as a unique testament to spiritual devotion.
Nestled in the remote, rugged coastline of northwestern Yamaguchi, Motonosumi-jinja differs from other renowned shrines as the main hall is small and modest. An enchanting tunnel of over 100 torii gates descends to the cliff, leading to a serene view of the sea, devoid of additional constructions at the end except for small statues gazing seaward.
There is a fun interactive element that is unusual here—the main tall torii gate has an offering box attached to the kasagi, which is roughly four meters high. Legend has it that throwing a coin into this elevated box brings good fortune to those who succeed.
Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine
With roots dating back to the eighth century, Fushimi Inari Taisha serves as the central hub for approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Positioned on and around Mount Inari, the shrine complex comprises easily accessible worship halls at the mountain’s base connected by vermilion torii gate-lined paths that ascend through densely wooded areas to more secluded inner shrines. The highlight of Fushimi Inari Taisha is the impressive array of about 10,000 torii gates adorning the pathways.
A distinctive feature of this shrine is the abundance of kitsune (fox) statues. Foxes are believed to be messengers of Inari, the god associated with agriculture and business. Part of the unique fun of visiting is trying to spot all of the fox statues hidden around the grounds.
At the mountain’s base, visitors can marvel at the grand first torii gate near the local train station, leading to the towering shrine gate preceding the prayer hall, main hall, and shrine offices. Souvenir shops in the vicinity offer a range of fox-themed memorabilia.
A brief uphill hike leads to the mid-way shrine, where you can inscribe wishes on fox-shaped votive tablets. For those with more time and energy, further exploration up the mountain unveils hidden gems within the forest and provides a panoramic city view from the shrine’s summit.
Unique torii gates to visit
Most of the torii in this list are the traditional iconic red wooden structures, so here are three
unusual examples that are perfect for pictures and social media posts:
- Glass gates: Jintoku Inari Shrine has a beautiful tunnel of 100 traditional red torii gates punctuated by two made of transparent glass. The shrine underwent renovations in 2018, introducing these new elements to its centuries-old charm—glass torii gates, one positioned at the entrance and another discreetly tucked away at the shrine’s rear. Images of the Jintoku Inari Shrine shared on Instagram rapidly went viral, contributing to a surge in tourism to this already popular site.
- Pink gate: This is a gate fit for Barbie! The Higashimokoto Shibazakura torii gate in Hokkaido is an integral feature of the Yamatsumi Shrine, established in 1913. It’s painted pink to harmonize with the gorgeous color of the shibazakura (a pink ground cover called moss phlox or floor sakura). Visit in mid-May to see it at its most vibrant.
Explore Japan with Rosetta Stone
Walking from the human realm of our world and respectfully passing through an iconic torii gate to step into the spiritual world is more than just a photo opportunity: It’s an experience of a lifetime. The wide variety of beautiful gates in Japan are solemn and stunning, marking the hearts of those who visit.
Deepen your connection with culture and history when visiting Japan by sharpening your language skills. Our Dynamic Immersion method provides maximum exposure to a new language through audio spoken by native speakers, written words, and real-world images, mirroring the way you first acquired language as a child.
Written by: Taffy Vargo
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