Torii – Gates to the Sacred Grounds

You have probably seen Torii in photos from Japan without knowing what they really are. Torii are the entrance gates to Shinto shrines . Not only do they impress us when we look at them, but they also have great significance for shrines as well as Tōrō and other elements of shrine and temple architecture in Japan .

Torii are easily recognizable by their large size and often by their bright red color , which is said to grant protection against evil . A shrine may have not just one but many Torii . Another reason why the doors are red is that the paint used contains a substance that protects the wood from deterioration.

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There is no clear evidence about the origins of Torii although some experts say that they were brought along with Buddhism from China. Others point to its similarity to the Torana gates of India, as there are other similar structures in other parts of Asia as well.

To demarcate the sacred land or the residence of the Kami (gods in Japanese), the believers of Shintoism built a simple Torii with tied posts. Little by little the construction of these was changing until it evolved to look more majestic and impressive.

The meaning of Torii in Shintoism is not just elaborate structures made to look pretty but they have the role of dividing the holy Shinto grounds from the mortal world , from the mundane. Its vermilion Torii color serves as protection against evil and provides blessings of vitality and good fortune.

The customs or manners when entering a Torii are very simple: When walking through a Torii you must bow a little before entering and you must walk on one side since it is believed that the center is reserved for the Kami.

As you have probably already seen in photos of Japan and these Torii, they are not all the same. There are two main styles followed by sub-styles and unique designs.

The Myojin Torii has a more complex shape made to look grand with its curved lintel. The Shinmei Torii has a simpler shape with straight columns, lintel and beam.

There are many torii shrines worth mentioning. One of them is the Torii of the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto is one of the most impressive as it has approximately 10,000 Torii gates arranged in various sizes and forming a path for visitors to follow to the entrance of the shrine. The reason for the large number of Torii gates is that they are a form of offering to the deities of the shrine. Anyone can make this offering to the shrine by paying around 200,000 yen (1500USD) and the name of the donor and the date of the donation will be inscribed on said Torii .

Another shrine whose torii are memorable and impressive is Itsukushima Shrine in Miyagi Prefecture , famous for its “floating on the water” Torii as at night the tide rises and covers it with water, giving it an amazing and amazing appearance. to remember.