5 Iconic Torii Gates in Japan

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Torii of Peace


One of the most sought-after torii gates for photographers and sightseers is the Torii of Peace at Hakone Shrine. This is a result of its unusual location, which makes it seem to be floating on the water while still being close enough to the ground for you to stand in the middle and take pictures with it.

Through the lush greenery of the trees and up a stone stairway, you can reach Hakone Shrine from the iconic torii gate. The position of the shrine amid the deep forest is made evident by the presence of two more enormous torii gates. In the shrine treasure house, or homotsuden, you can learn more about the shrine's history or purchase omamori (protective charms).


Kamiiso-no-Torii


Kamiiso-no- Another stunning gate, Torii, is surrounded by water, but this time it is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Although it is feasible to climb to this one, it is more difficult for us mere mortals to approach, and it is uncommon to see anyone close to the gate itself. The torii is made much more stunning by the waves slamming against the nearby cliffs, enhancing its appearance of power against the elements.

The Oarai Isosaki Shrine, which was established in 856 and is connected to Kamiiso-no-tori, is claimed to have been where the two gods Daikoku-sama and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto are said to have descended upon the Oarai coast. They are reported to have come down at the torii.



Tenku no Torii 


At the edge of the river, stepping away from the gates The ideal location to awe at Mount Fuji's power is Tenku no Torii, often known as the "portal in the sky." This torii is considerably smaller than Kawaguchi Asama Shrine's, but no less beautiful.

It was built as a place of worship for Mount Fuji. The torii was later constructed as a location for people to pray at the temple remotely. Seven sacred cedars that are older than 1,200 years old and have been classified as Yamanashi natural monuments are also present at the shrine. One pair is situated near to the other and is referred to be a matchmaking tree. In addition to praying for matches, people often attend to the shrine to wish for success in general and safe pregnancies.


Oyunohara Torii


The largest torii gate in all of Japan is located in Wakayama and is called the Oyunohara Torii. The 33-meter-tall torii gate dominates the shrine's entryway. The major shrine of the Kumano Sanzan, a group of three shrines in the Kumano area, is Kumano Hongu Taisha. It is common for pilgrims to travel between the three, and when they see this magnificent torii, they know they have arrived at the main shrine. The shrine was probably constructed much earlier than the early ninth century, when it was first mentioned. Sadly, the shrine was moved roughly a kilometer away from its original location because of a flood in 1889.



Motonosumi Shrine

This one is a little clever because it's actually 123 torii gates arranged in a line along Yamaguchi's coast, rather than a single iconic torii gate.

According to the legend surrounding Motonosumi Shrine, a fox spirit visited a resident of Nagato Town in 1955 and instructed him to erect the shrine. The construction of the shrine took ten years to complete and started in earnest in 1987. Given that the torii-lined route extends for more than 100 meters, it is not unexpected that it took a while to complete.


At shrines, it's common to locate a money box where visitors can place coins along with their prayers or wishes. But what makes the coin box at Motonosumi Shrine unique is that it's perched on top of the first, 6-meter-tall torii gate, rather than being in the customary location on the ground! You must throw your coin into the box that is towering above you with precision if you want your desire to come true. Most people travel to the shrine to pray for prosperity in business, good fortune in fishing, and safety at sea. However, people also travel there for luck in finding love, staying safe on the road, and other reasons.



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