A torii (鳥居) is a traditional Japanese gate that is typically found at the entrance of Shinto shrines. It symbolizes the transition from the profane world to the sacred world, marking an invisible boundary between the earthly and the divine. Its simple and elegant structure has become an iconic symbol of Japan and its religious culture.
The origins of the torii can be traced back to the 10th century, with early forms being much simpler than the current structures. They are believed to be derived from the gates of imperial shrines and the gates of Buddhist temples. Over time, the torii evolved into a unique and distinctive architectural element of Shintoism.
A typical torii consists of two upright pillars (hashira) topped by a horizontal beam (kasagi) and another smaller crossbeam (shimagi). The shape of the torii is reminiscent of a rooster perch, which is a symbol of the rising sun and the Shinto deity Amaterasu. The most common color, vermilion red, represents purity and protection against evil spirits.
There are different types of torii, the most common of which are:
- Myōjin-torii: The simplest and most common type, with straight pillars and straight horizontal beams.
- Ryōbu-torii: The pillars and horizontal beams are slightly curved.
- Kasuga-torii: A torii with thick pillars and horizontal beams that curve outwards.
- Hachiman-torii: A simple torii with an additional triangular crossbeam.
Famous Torii
- The floating torii of Itsukushima-jinja in Hiroshima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Great Torii of Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto, with its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading to the top of Inari Mountain.
- The bronze torii of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, a unique example of a bronze torii.
- The torii of Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, a massive stone torii symbolizing the modernity of Japan.
