The torii gate is an indispensable image when mentioning Japan. It is considered as the boundary between the mortal world and the sacred world, indicating to visitors that from here onwards is the sacred land – where the gods reside. Have you ever seen any of the 5 special torii gates below?
1. The mysterious torii gate floating on the lake
Hakone Shrine is a famous shrine located in Kanagawa Prefecture, bordering Tokyo. Every year, the shrine welcomes about 2 million visitors from home and abroad.
The torii gate floating on Lake Ashi is called Heiwa no torii, which means the torii gate of peace. It got its name because it was built in 1952 when Japan signed the peace treaty. It is now a famous place on social networks for sharing photos. Looking out from the Narukawa Art Museum towards Lake Ashi, this torii gate built 70 years ago looks like it is floating on the blue lake, with Mount Fuji in the distance, creating an iconic landscape for Hakone.
Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo, Kanagawa Prefecture
Reception hours:
- Amulet/goshinin (god seal) pick-up location: 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Prayer Service: 8:30am to 4:00pm
- Treasure Vault: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Free visit
2. The torii gate witnesses the view of Mount Fuji in all four seasons
Located a 5-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station is Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. The shrine has a history of over 1,300 years and is worshiped as a god of preventing natural disasters, helping families to be in harmony, giving birth smoothly, raising children, etc.
From the Omotesando entrance, follow the lantern-lined path to the vermillion torii gate – the symbol of Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. The view of Mount Fuji and the changing seasons from the torii gate is so beautiful that it takes the breath away of anyone who sees it. Not only domestic people but also many foreign tourists when coming to Yamanashi choose Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine as one of the must-see destinations on their itinerary.
Address: 2-4-1, Asama, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Admission: free
3. The white torii gate stands out against the blue sea
Itoshima City is famous for the Sakurai Futamigaura married rocks at Sakurai Shrine. On the right is the male god Izanagi no Mikoto, on the left is the goddess Izanami no Mikoto. Connecting the two rocks is a shimenawa rope commonly found in Shinto shrines, symbolizing the strong bond between husband and wife.
At Futamigaura – the shrine of Sakurai Uranomiya Shrine – there is a white torii gate in the sea. This is the sacred object of the shrine, built in 1968 with the meaning that from here onwards it is the place where the gods live. When building this torii gate, people considered choosing pure white to harmonize with the natural landscape, creating a scene that is both majestic and beautiful. In particular, the sunset here is one of the 100 most beautiful sunsets in Japan.
Address: Sakurai Shima, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Admission: free
4. The vermillion torii gates in the middle of bustling Tokyo
Hie Shrine is a sacred shrine that was especially revered by the Tokugawa family as the guardian deity of ancient Edo. The central shrine (Goshaden) was rebuilt in 1958 to replace the structure that was completely burned down in 1945.
Inari Sando is a path that stretches from the shrine grounds to the west. Here, there is a row of 90 red torii gates along the stone stairs located in a small forest next to Goshaden. This is an extremely familiar photo spot for tourists who want to learn about Shintoism right in the capital Tokyo. Because it is a sacred place, please note that you should not lean on the torii gates or sit on the stone stairs!
Address: 2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Opening hours: 6:00am ~ 5:00pm
Where to buy items, stamps: 8:00am ~ 4:00pm
Admission: free
5. The golden torii gate in the ancient capital of Kyoto
In Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, there is a small Shinto shrine called Mikane. This is one of the favorite destinations in Kyoto and is always bustling with visitors. Mikane Shrine is a place to worship a rare deity in Japan that bestows blessings related to money fortune. People come here to pray for good luck in finance, asset management, business development, stock trading, winning the lottery, etc.
The torii gate in front of Mikane Shrine was painted gold with the help of a long-standing gold leaf company in Kyoto. The paint is a type of paint that does not fade outdoors, and from a distance it looks like the gate is made of real gold, shining brightly. In the shrine grounds is a 200-year-old ginkgo tree, which is said to symbolize prosperity and longevity because its leaves spread out in eight directions. There are also many amulets and wish-granting wood with sacred ginkgo motifs.
Address: 614 Nishinotoin-dori Oikegami Oshinotoincho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Opening hours: 24/24
Free admission
Visiting shrines during the New Year is also a Japanese New Year custom. If you have the opportunity to visit Japan during the first days of the year, do not miss these sacred shrines with unique torii gates to pray for a peaceful new year!