Japan: The Torii, Symbols of Purity and Spiritual Transition
Updated: Dec 1, 2024
The Torii are not just architectural elements that define the landscapes and sacred spaces of Japan. They embody the very essence of Japanese culture and spirituality. Opening a gateway to the history, beliefs, and values of a nation, they symbolize the passage from the profane world to the sacred world, according to Shinto religion.
The Torii is literally translated as "bird gate" or "where birds perch" in Japanese. It constitutes a traditional gateway associated with Shinto shrines. These structures, recognizable by their vertical posts and horizontal crosspieces, represent the entrance into a pure, spiritual, or sacred world.
Having photographed dozens of Torii across the country for over 15 years, I have often pondered their history, styles (if they exist), size, and materiality. Similarly, the endless moments of photographic reflection facing these Torii built on water have led me to want to know more about their intriguing situation.
Through this article, I attempt to provide some information that I hope will be useful and that I have gathered over the years. They aim to answer these questions, both philosophical and technical. Although it was difficult to obtain precise information about the history of these Torii, through my research and meetings, I have been able to catalog the main architectural styles recognized in Japan as well as the philosophical values that adorn these spiritual gates.
Finally, you will also find some information on the main Torii which are, for the Japanese, among the most famous in the country.
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Contents:
History of Torii in Japan
Torii have a long history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). Originally, they consisted only of four poles connected by ropes. These poles fundamentally delineated the plots of shrines by marking their entrance.
Over time, philosophical or spiritual values were attributed to them. They have since served to separate the sacred world from the profane space. Crossing a Torii, the visitor is supposed to purify themselves and prepare to meet the divine. This notion of purification is central in Shinto religion, where purity and pollution are key concepts.
According to ancient engravings, paintings, or other writings, the first known Torii in Japan date from the 10th century. However, it should be noted that the tradition of Torii could date back to an even earlier period according to some manuscripts.
The first written mentions of Torii appear in Japanese texts from the 10th century, but their precise origin and development remain partly shrouded in mystery.
Although the notion of antiquity is still debated, the Torii recognized by historians as the oldest in the country and still standing is the Torii of the Kinpusenji shrine and temple in Nara, dating back to 1455.
These structures have evolved over time, reflecting changes in construction materials, architectural styles, and cultural influences. Initially, as I mentioned, Torii might have had a more practical significance, devoid of any religious meaning, which has disappeared today.
For example, marking the boundary of a territory or sacred space, before becoming the symbolic gateways we know today. Now, they serve as a spiritual bridge between the profane world and the realm of the Kami, the Shinto deities.
The Roles of Torii
Beyond their religious role, Torii are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. They are often the subject of legends and stories. For example, the story of the floating Torii of Itsukushima, which appears to float on water at high tide, is surrounded by myths and legends, reflecting the harmonious union between man, nature, and spirituality (Read my article about Itsukushima Torii here).
Torii can also take various forms and be constructed from different materials. The most classic ones are made of wood, painted in bright orange-red (the color of Shinto shrines) with black ends, but there are also those made of stone, metal, and even concrete. This diversity reflects the evolution of Japanese society over the centuries while maintaining a deep connection with traditions.
In philosophy, Torii can be seen as a metaphor for the journey of life, marking the passage from one state to another, from ignorance to wisdom, from the profane to the sacred. They remind us that life is a path marked by transitions and transformations, and that each stage has its own meaning and importance.
The Gate of the Kami
By passing under a Torii, the profane thus enters a sacred enclosure reserved for Shinto deities known as Kami. These Kami are divinities or spirits that infuse the universe. They are not gods in the omnipotent sense of the word but rather sacred manifestations of nature, ancestors, concepts, or spiritual phenomena.
Kami reside in natural elements such as mountains, rivers, trees, as well as in objects or specific places considered sacred. This belief reflects an animistic view of the world, where each element of nature possesses a spiritual essence.
Kami can influence the well-being and fortune of humans, hence the importance for the Japanese to maintain a harmonious relationship with them through rituals, prayers, and offerings. Shinto worship does not consider them as perfectly good or bad, but rather as forces that can be benevolent or hostile, depending on the circumstances. The Kami thus embody the complexity and interconnection of nature, spirituality, and humanity.
The Styles of Torii
Although today only two architectural styles seem to be distinguished (Shinmei and Myōjin), Torii, like any construction, have evolved into several distinct styles over the centuries, each with its own characteristics and history. These styles reflect regional differences, architectural evolution, and the influence of specific shrines. Here are the main styles of torii that I have seen or found in the specialized literature:
1. Shinmei Torii (神明鳥居)
Description: The simplest and oldest style, associated with the most important shrines of Japan.
Features: Straight, unadorned crosspieces with no upward curves, and no decorative elements. The horizontal beam called "Kasagi" is often flat, and the pillars are cylindrical.
Example: Many important shrines, like the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu), also utilize this style, which aligns with the overall Shinto aesthetic of purity and harmony with the environment.
2. Myōjin Torii (明神鳥居)
Description: The most common and iconic torii style, seen at many Shinto shrines across Japan. These torii are made of wood (often painted vermilion and black), stones or concrete.
Features: The kasagi (upper crossbeam) is curved upward, giving it a distinctive appearance. Beneath the kasagi, there is a second crossbeam called the "Shimaki". The pillars are slightly tapered and may lean inward.
Examples: Some representative examples of Myōjin torii can be found at Hachiman Jinja (八幡神社) in Yamagata prefecture, Hakozaki Jinja (筥崎神社) in Fukuoka prefecture, and Yasaka Jinja (八坂神社) in Kyoto.
3. Kasuga Torii (春日鳥居)
Description: A variant of the Myōjin torii, used specifically at Kasuga Taisha (hence the name of this style) and related shrines.
Features: The design includes supporting struts called "Sai" beneath the crossbeam, offering more stability and a decorative element. The top of the pillars sometimes has a slight bulge.
Example: Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) in Nara.
4. Hachiman Torii (八幡鳥居)
Description: A style associated with Hachiman shrines, dedicated to the god of war.
Features: The kasagi (top beam) is typically straight like the Shinmei style, but the pillars are wider and more robust. This type often includes a secondary horizontal beam called "Nuki" underneath.
Example: A representative example of Hachiman torii can be found at Iwashimizu Hachimanguu (石清水八幡宮) in Kyoto.
5. Ryobu Torii (両部鳥居)
Description: A style influenced by Shingon Buddhism, blending Buddhist and Shinto elements. Ryobu torii is a member of Myōjin torii Family, and its two pillards are supported 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.
Features: Often features two sets of pillars with multiple crossbeams (like two torii gates combined). The design has a more complex structure and is often seen in shrines with historical connections to Buddhism.
Examples: Some representative Ryōbu torii can be found at Kubohachiman Jinja (窪八幡神社) in Yamanashi prefecture, Kehi Jinja (気比神社) in Fukui prefecture, and Itsukushima Jinja (厳島神社) in Hiroshima Prefecture (photo below). Read the article here.
6. Inari Torii (稲荷鳥居)
Description: A variant associated with Inari shrines, dedicated to the fox deity.
Features: Similar to the Myōjin torii, but often painted vermilion (a bright red color) with inscriptions of donors’ names. These torii are often placed in long, continuous rows, creating tunnel-like pathways of gates.
Example: Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社) in Kyoto, with its famous "Senbon Torii" (Thousand Torii Gates).
7. Mihashira Torii (三柱鳥居)
Description: Also known as "Three-pillar Torii", this is a unique style with religious symbolism.
Features: Three pillars are arranged in a triangular formation, with crossbeams connecting them, creating a more complex geometric shape. The structure symbolizes unity or the intersection of three worlds (heaven, earth, and the underworld).
Example: A representative example of Mihashira torii can be found at Konoshima Amaterumitama Jinja (木嶋坐天照御魂神社) in Kyoto (which I haven't visited yet).
8. Chūren Torii (中連鳥居)
Description: A more intricate and ornamental style of torii with additional supports and decorative elements.
Features: It includes middle supports connecting the vertical pillars to the horizontal beams, which give it a more complex structure. The Chūren Torii is not as widespread as other styles, but its architectural intricacy and reinforcement make it stand out in shrines with a history of prominence.
Example: A representative example of the Chūren Torii style can be found at Nezu Shrine (根津神社) in Tokyo.
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9. Kuroki Torii (黒木鳥居)
Description: A rustic torii made from unstripped, unpainted logs, leaving the natural bark intact. Kuroki literally means "Black tree". It refers to a trunk in a condition as close as possible to its natural form with branches.
Features: It’s a raw and natural-looking torii, often associated with smaller or more rural shrines. The raw and rustic appearance of the Kuroki Torii aligns with the shrine’s deep connection to nature and myth, particularly the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu is believed to have hidden, symbolizing the natural and divine forces intertwined in Shinto beliefs.
Example: A notable example of the Kuroki Torii style seems to be the Amano-Iwato Shrine (天岩戸神社) in Miyazaki Prefecture.
It is important to note here that this list is not exhaustive.
It only includes the styles I have seen or discovered in specialized books during my research on Japanese architecture. Furthermore, it is particularly difficult to find a clear list of these torii styles. Their evolution over historical periods has led to many interpretations of the original styles. It is also not rare to find torii that do not fit into any of the known styles. They are simply variants imagined by their designers. Therefore, this list (which I strive to keep updated as I make new discoveries) may contain errors from an academic standpoint.
The Most Famous Torii
In Japan, several Torii are famous for their beauty, historical significance, or unique location. Here are 6 examples that are particularly notable for both the Japanese and the international community:
1. Itsukushima Torii (photo above): Located at the Itsukushima Shrine (also known as Miyajima) in Hiroshima Prefecture, this floating Torii is one of the most iconic in Japan. At high tide, it appears to float on the water, creating a spectacular view.
2. Fushimi Inari-Taisha Torii: This shrine in Kyoto is famous for its thousands of orange-red Torii forming tunnels along the shrine's paths. Each Torii was donated by an individual or a company as an offering.
3. Meiji-jingū Torii: Located in Tokyo, this large cypress wood Torii is the symbol of the Meiji Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken.
4. Heian-jingū Torii: In Kyoto, this Torii is one of the largest in Japan and marks the entrance to the Heian-jingū Shrine, known for its imposing architecture and traditional garden.
5. Hakone-jingū Torii: Situated on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, this Torii is particularly photogenic, offering a striking contrast between the traditional gateway and the natural setting of the lake and surrounding mountains.
6. Izumo Taisha Torii: This shrine, one of the oldest and most important in Japan, is located in Shimane Prefecture. It features several impressive Torii, including a particularly large one at the main entrance.
Torii and Water
Torii placed on lakes or the sea in Japan convey a deep symbolic meaning, related to spirituality and Shinto beliefs. These structures, like the famous floating Torii of the Itsukushima Shrine, represent several key elements of Japanese thought and culture:
1. Connection between the sacred and the profane: Torii traditionally mark the boundary between the profane world and the sacred world. When placed on water, they emphasize this transition in a particularly visual and striking manner, suggesting a passage from the tangible, everyday world to a spiritual and eternal realm.
2. Harmony with nature: Shinto worship deeply values nature and all its constituents as it considers them to be inhabited by the Kami. A Torii on water embodies this harmony between natural elements and the sacred, highlighting respect and admiration for the natural environment.
3. Purification: Water holds a characteristic ritual importance in Shinto worship for its ability to purify. A Torii located on water symbolizes this purification. It suggests that passing through the Torii helps to spiritually cleanse those who enter the shrine.
4. Landmark and welcome: For pilgrims and visitors arriving by sea or lake, the Torii serves as a landmark in the landscape, indicating the welcoming point of the shrine and inviting people to enter into a space of peace and spirituality.
5. Beauty and serenity: Aesthetically, Torii contribute to a spectacular landscape, creating a striking contrast between human architecture and natural beauty. They symbolize the pursuit of serenity and beauty, values deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
The Final Word
The Torii of Japan, more than just an architectural manifestation, represent a deep expression of Japanese philosophy and spirituality. They symbolize the passage from the material world to the spiritual world, serving as bridges between the human and the divine.
By passing through a Torii, one moves not only physically but also symbolically, from the realm of everyday reality to a space of purity and sacredness. The various styles and locations of Torii, whether standing majestically in forest shrines or appearing to float on waters, reflect the sought-after harmony between man, nature, and the Kami.
These structures, with their simplicity and elegance, invite reflection on our place in the universe and our relationship with the natural and spiritual world. Thus, Torii are not mere constructions, but living symbols of a perpetual quest for balance, harmony, and understanding of life.
