_Torii Gate

A torii is a traditional Japanese gate, which marks the boundary between the sacred and mundane. Torii Gates are gnerally regarded as a symbol of Shinto shrines, and different styles and choice of materials can be found throughout Japan.

Design & Styles

Myoshin Torii

Myojin torii is more ornamental form of torii gate, characterized by the double lintels with curvature. In general, two columns have inward inclination, and lintels and tie beam are connected by a supporting strut called gakuzuka.

Shinmei Torii

Shinmei torii is the simpler form of torii gate, characterized by the single straight lintel. In general, all elements are round in section and meet at right angles.

Scale

Oyunohara o-torii in Wakayama prefecture is the biggest torii in Japan and 33.9m(111ft) tall and 42m(137ft) wide.Meiji jingu daini torii in Tokyo is one of the biggest wooden made torii, and it is 12m(39ft) tall and 17.1m(56ft)wide.

Terminology

Gallery

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  Ryobu Torii
  Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima

  Ryobu torii is a member of Myojin torii Family, and its two pillards are supoorted on both front and back by short posts called yoji torii. The name, Ryobu is derived from Buddhism with which Shinto has a long association.

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  Mitsu Torii
  Mitsumine-jinja Shrine in Saitama

  Mitsu torii or Miwa torii is a Myojin torii with a smaller torii on both sides. Inward inclination of the pillards is less pronouced than other Myoshin torii family variants.

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  San-no Torii
  Hie-jinja Shrine in Tokyo

  　　　　　　　　　　　　　

  San-no torii is a variant of Myojin torii with a gable on top of the lintels.

　　　　　　　　
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  Kuroki Torii
  Nomura-jinja Shrine in Kyoto

  Kuroki Torii, one of the oldest types of Shinmei torii Family, is made of wood with bark left untouched, from which its name, Kuroki is derived.

　　　　　　　　
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  Kara hafu Torii
  Itsukushima-jinja Shrine in Kyoto

  　　　　　　　　　　　　　

  Kara hafu torii is a variant of Myojin torii with lintels shaped like a recurve bow in archery.