Discover 5 unique Torii gates in the land of Phu Tang
The Torii Gate is an indispensable symbol when it comes to Japan. They represent the boundary between the mundane and the divine, an indication that from here on out is the sacred land, the abode of the gods.
Let's explore 5 special Torii gates with Injavi below.
1. The mysterious Torii gate floating on the lake
Hakone Shrine is a famous shrine located in Kanagawa Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo. Every year, about 2 million tourists from home and abroad visit this temple. On Lake Ashi, a Torii gate emerges, called Heiwa no Torii - the Torii gate of peace. This Torii Gate was built in 1952 after Japan signed a peace treaty. Currently, this is a popular place on social networks for sharing photos. With a beautiful view of Mount Fuji from the Narukawa art museum, this Torii gate drifts across the blue lake, creating an iconic scene for Hakone.
2. Torii Gate witnessing the scenery of Mount Fuji throughout the four seasons
Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine is located just a 5-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station. This temple has a history of more than 1,300 years and is worshiped as a deity that averts natural disasters and brings harmony, fertility, and the upbringing of children. Follow the Omotesando path with lanterns on both sides, you will reach the vermilion Torii gate - the symbol of Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. From this gate, you can admire the seasonal beauty of Mount Fuji, from spring to summer.
This torii gate creates a beautiful scene when Mt. Fuji is covered with white snow in winter, cherry blossoms bloom in full bloom in spring, green leaves cover the mountain in summer and bright red splendor of maple trees in autumn. The special feature of this Torii gate is that you can capture the image of Mount Fuji and the Torii gate in a single frame, creating beautiful and impressive photos.
3. Torii Gate on Itsukushima Island
Itsukushima Island, located in Hiroshima Bay, is home to one of Japan's most famous and most beautiful Torii gates. The Torii Gate on Itsukushima Island is built on the sea, and at high tide it becomes a separate island, standing alone in the open sea. This Torii gate belongs to the Itsukushima Jinja shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sea goddess Benzaiten. When the tide goes out, you can walk through the gate and explore the shrine and Itsukushima island.
4. Torii Gate at the top of Mount Koyasan
Koyasan is a village located atop Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, and is the center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. At Koyasan, there is a special Torii gate called Daimon Torii. This gate is the main gate of Koyasan village and is a symbol of Buddhism here. Daimon Torii is built from wood and is huge in size, making for an imposant sight as you enter Koyasan. This Torii gate is also an important stop during the Koyasan pilgrimage.
5. Torii Gate at Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine is located in Kyoto and is one of the largest Inari shrines in Japan. The distinguishing feature of Fushimi Inari Shrine is the presence of thousands of red Torii gates in a row on the way to the top of Mount Inari. This is one of the most iconic and beautiful views of Japan. You can walk through these Torii gates and enjoy the sacred and beautiful surroundings of Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Hopefully this information will help you have an overview of the famous Torii gates in Japan. If you have a chance, visit and explore these places during your travels.
