MIYAJIMA TORII – JAPAN’S FLOATING GATE

Photograph by MYSTIC SPIRITS



Miyajima Torii is the famous floating gate to the sacred Itsukushima Shrine. It is known as one of the ‘Three Views of Japan’. The gate of the Itsukushima Shrine (an UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions, and it has existed since 1168, though the current gate dates back to 1875.

It is approximately 16 metres high, and was built in a four-legged style which means it has four additional legs along with the primary columns. This provides additional stability as the gate only sits on the surface of the mud. The sheer weight and adhesion to the mud is sufficient to prevent any significant movement of the Miyajima Torii even during typhoons

Miyajima Torii only appears to be floating at high tide; when the tide is low, the gate is surrounded by mud and can be accessed by foot from the island. It is common practice for visitors to place coins in the cracks of the legs of the gate and make a wish. [Source]

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