Torii
The gate at a shrine entrance, and a small moment of manners worth knowing.
A torii is the gate that marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine. It separates the everyday world outside from the sacred ground within. Torii are often red or unpainted wood, but you will also see stone and metal ones, and a large shrine may have several along its approach.
What does a torii mean for visitors?
Passing through a torii means you are entering shrine grounds, so most visitors lower their voices. Walking through is free, and the gate itself is not an attraction with an entry time.
Some famous torii stand in water or on hillsides, and visitors come for the view as much as for worship. Those places can be crowded, so plan your visit with that in mind.
What etiquette should you follow?
Many people bow slightly before the gate and walk to one side of the path, leaving the centre clear. At the water basin, they rinse their hands before approaching the main hall. None of this is a test, and a quiet, respectful manner is what matters.
Where does a torii fit in a Japan trip?
Shrines suit travellers who enjoy short, calm stops between bigger sights. For a keepsake, read about the shrine stamp called goshuin. If you want a temple stay as well, see shukubo. Torii also appear in Kyoto, a popular first base for shrine visits.
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