Luxury Gold - Journey Beyond the Ordinary
  • Home
  • Luxury Journeys
    • Europe
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • USA and Canada
    • Latin America
  • Cuisine
  • Unwind
  • Concierge Tips
  • Make Travel Matter
Luxury Gold - Journey Beyond the Ordinary
Mobile Menu
Home
Luxury Journeys
    Europe
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    USA and Canada
    Latin America
Cuisine
Unwind
Concierge Tips
Make Travel Matter
  • Home
  • Luxury Journeys
    • Europe
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • USA and Canada
    • Latin America
  • Cuisine
  • Unwind
  • Concierge Tips
  • Make Travel Matter
Asia, Luxury Journeys

Fushimi Inari to Miyajima: The Most Famous Torii Gates in Japan

December 18, 2024 by Laura Goodman No Comments
Woman photographed from behind standing beneath torii gate in snow overlooking lake

You will have seen pictures of these iconic structures, particularly the red ones that loom over sparkling bodies of water (the floating torii gates) – and you’ll have come to recognise them as unmistakeable symbols of Japan. But what exactly are torii gates? They are generally used to mark the entrance to a sacred space, specifically a Shinto shrine. The road leading to a Shinto shrine will always have one or more imposing torii flanking the route, making it the easiest way to determine whether the shrine belongs to Shinto or Buddhism (but not always, as you’ll see). Traditionally, torii gates are left unpainted, or covered in a blazing vermilion.

Experience it on: Majestic Japan

People kayaking on a lake past a red Torii gate in Japan

 

Torii Gates in Japan FAQs

 

What do torii gates symbolize?

A torii gate marks the division between the physical world and the spiritual realm.

What does walking through a torii gate mean?

When a person passes beneath a torii gate, they are transitioning from the mundane to the sacred.

Which island has a floating torii gate?

One of the most famous torii gates is on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima, which means “shrine island”). The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the torii is its most recognisable landmark. It’s not the only one that appears to float on water, though.

What is the most famous torii gate in Japan?

Of the hundreds of thousands of torii gates dotted across Japan, Itsukushima torii mentioned above is one of the country’s greatest icons, but the 10,000 torii at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the dramatic wooden torii at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo are right up there, too. The Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine is much-celebrated (and photographed) for the way it frames Mount Fuji. If you have a Majestic Japan luxury tour on your horizon, here are 10 of the most epic torii gates to factor into your journey.

 

10 of the Most Beautiful Torii Gates in Japan

 

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Just outside the JR Inari Station (making the transition from mundane to sacred even more stark), the Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto is graced with thousands of vermilion torii gates, lining various trails around the main buildings which lead straight into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. Inari is the Shinto god of rice, and his guardians are kitsune (foxes), which is why there are protective fox statues throughout.

View looking down the tunnel of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

 

Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

The resplendent, world-famous floating torii gate is Shrine Island’s main attraction, and every visitor wants a glimpse. From Hiroshima, it’s a short hop by ferry to Miyajima. You can also head out on a boat cruise to see the torii gate in all its glory – and at low tide, you can walk right up to it. After sunset, the shrine and the torii gate are illuminated for extra magic. Our Majestic Japan journey stops in Hiroshima.

Read next: 21 Most Beautiful Places in Japan You Need to Visit

View across the water of Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

 

Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

Surrounded by lush greenery in the heart of Tokyo, the Meiji Shrine is the deep breath you need after you’ve bustled through the nearby neighbourhoods of Shibuya and Harajuku. The three wooden torii gates on the approach to the main shrine are immense – the second is the largest of its kind in Japan, made from a 1,500-year-old Japanese cypress tree. Slot this one in at the beginning or end of your Majestic Japan journey.

Looking down avenue of trees towards the torii gate in front of the Meiji shrine, Tokyo

 

Kumano Hongū Shrine, Tanabe

Deep in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, surrounded by cedar and cypress trees, Kumano Hongū Taisha is the head temple of the 3,000 Kumano shrines across the country. It’s part of the World Heritage Site called Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Its entrance is marked by the highest torii gate in the world.

Photo of man seen from behind walking up stairs towards a red torii gate

 

Motonosumi Shrine, Yamaguchi

For one of the most scenic shrine locations in Japan, head to the Motonosumi Shrine, which is marked by a procession of 123 vermilion torii gates, running along the cliffs and leading down to the Sea of Japan. Uniquely, it was founded in 1955 by a local fisherman called Hitoshi Okamura, and i offers its visitors business success, bountiful fishing, and safety for fishermen.

Photo looking through gaps from inside tunnel of torii gates at Motonosumi Shrine, Yamaguchi

 

Amanoiwato Shrine, Miyazaki Prefecture

This shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu who hid in the cave here, keeping her light from the world. Some of the shrine grounds are located on the opposite side of the Iwato River, but the torii gate is in the cave itself. It’s known as a “spiritual power spot” and you can walk right through it, along a narrow path surrounded by piles of stones.

 

Oarai Isosaki Shrine, Ibaraki Prefecture

One of three torii gates here stands against the horizon on a coastal rock in the Pacific Ocean, with waves crashing and frothing around its base. This gate is called Kamiiso-no-Torii, and marks the place where the shrine’s deity is said to have landed. It has more than a touch of the otherworldly about it – the views out to sea are incredible, particularly at sunrise.

Photo of Oarai Isosaki Shrine, Ibaraki Prefecture with waves crashing against rocks in the background

 

Arakura Sengen Shrine

In an ancient forest at the foot of Mount Fuji, the dark red torii gate here was specifically placed so that the view of Mount Fuji fits entirely inside. In cherry blossom season, it’s surrounded by the rosy pink hues of 300 cherry trees. The nearby Chureito Pagoda is a stunning five-storied pagoda, with 400 steps leading to more epic views of the mountain. See Japan’s most iconic views on a Japan luxury tour.

View looking through Arakura Sengen Shrine towards Mt Fuji

Read next: Stunning Gardens in Japan You Can’t Miss On Your Next Trip

 

Share:
Reading time: 4 min
Canada Unlocked: An Interview with Travelling Concierge Andrea Dionne

Canada Unlocked: An Interview with Travelling Concierge Andrea Dionne

March 21, 2016
The Most Beautiful National Parks in Western Canada

The Most Beautiful National Parks in Western Canada

October 2, 2017
7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

August 31, 2022
The Ultimate Nature Retreat: Welcome To Milford Sound Lodge

The Ultimate Nature Retreat: Welcome To Milford Sound Lodge

November 25, 2024
A Peek into the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

A Peek into the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

December 24, 2015

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive curated news, special offers and travel inspiration straight to your inbox.

Please note that the information you provide will be used solely for the purpose of this request.

Categories

  • Luxury Journeys
    • Europe
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • USA and Canada
    • Latin America
  • Make Travel Matter
  • Cuisine
  • Unwind
  • Concierge Tips

Tags

Africa Asia Australia Canada Croatia Cuisine Destinations Egypt England Europe Exceptional Dining Fine Dining Food France History Imperial Rajasthan India Ireland Italy Japan Luxury Luxury Gold Luxury Hotels Luxury Travel Make Travel Matter New Zealand Peru Portugal Safari Scotland South Africa Spain Sustainability Sustainable Tourism Sustainable Travel Switzerland Travel Travel Concierge Travel Tips Travel Trends TreadRight USA Venice Vietnam Wildlife

Search

Recent Posts

10 Best Places for Stargazing in the World

10 Best Places for Stargazing in the World

May 19, 2025
Spectacular Scotland: Where Luxury and Sustainability Go Hand-in-Hand

Spectacular Scotland: Where Luxury and Sustainability Go Hand-in-Hand

April 22, 2025

More About Luxury Gold

We invite you to embark on a travel experience unlike any other. Join us as we explore exotic lands and distinctive destinations, in exquisite style and comfort. At Luxury Gold, it’s our pleasure to make your next journey extraordinary. Allow us to share our unparalleled wealth of expertise and insights, accumulated over nearly 100 years as leaders in luxury travel.
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
© Copyright 2023 Luxury Gold. All Rights Reserved.