Japan: The Floating Torii of Itsukushima Jinja
Updated: 3 days ago
The Grand Torii of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols and one of the most famous torii gates in the country. Standing in the sea, about 200 meters offshore, it is part of the most photographed sites of Japan.
Itsukushima Torii | Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Available for purchase here)
This “floating” torii, has garnered international fame due to its striking appearance, spiritual significance, and integration with the natural surroundings. It has existed in various forms for centuries, though the current torii, made of camphor wood, was erected in 1875. Its design follows a tradition dating back centuries.
What is a Torii
A torii is a traditional Japanese gate found at the entrance to Shinto shrines, symbolizing the transition from the mundane world to a sacred space. It typically consists of two vertical pillars supporting a horizontal crossbeam.
The torii is an iconic marker of Shinto sites and represents the boundary between the physical world and the spiritual realm, inviting visitors to enter with respect and reverence. Should you want to know more about these symbol, you can read my article dedicated to the torii and their spiritual significance here.
In the Itsukushima case, the torii indicates the area dedicated to the deities of the sea and storms, whom the shrine honors. The torii is particularly significant because of its placement in the sea, giving it a unique appearance that changes with the tides.
First things first, let's take a look at the different styles of torii that we can find and photograph around Japan.
Oouo Shrine, Ariake Sea | Fine Art Prints © O. Robert (Available for purchase here)
The Architectural Styles of Torii
There are several distinct styles of torii in Japan, each with unique characteristics and variations. 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): The simplest and oldest style, associated with the most important shrines of Japan.
2. Myōjin Torii (明神鳥居): 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.
3. Kasuga Torii (春日鳥居): A variant of the Myōjin torii, used specifically at Kasuga Taisha (hence the name of this style) and related shrines.
4. Hachiman Torii (八幡鳥居): A style associated with Hachiman shrines, dedicated to the god of war.
5. Ryōbu Torii (両部鳥居): A style influenced by Shingon Buddhism, blending Buddhist and Shinto elements. The name Ryōbu is derived from Buddhism with which Shinto has a long association. This is the style of Itsukushima torii to which this article is dedicated.
6. Inari Torii (稲荷鳥居): A variant associated with Inari shrines, dedicated to the fox deity.
7. Mihashira Torii (三柱鳥居): Also known as "Three-pillar Torii", this is a unique style with religious symbolism.
8. Chūren Torii (中連鳥居): A more intricate and ornamental style of torii with additional supports and decorative elements.
9. Kuroki Torii (黒木鳥居): 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.
To learn more about these different styles and their representative examples in Japan, you can read my full article on torii here.
Itsukushima Torii | Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Available for purchase here)
Main Features of Itsukushima Torii
The floating torii at Itsukushima Shrine is categorized under the Ryōbu Torii architectural style, which is one of the traditional torii designs used in Shinto architecture.
Here are some specifications about this structure:
- Height: The Torii stands approximately 16.6 meters tall.
- Weight: It weighs about 60 tons.
- Construction Material: As said above, the torii is constructed from camphor wood, a strong and resilient material that can withstand the harsh sea conditions. The pillars are made from single camphor trees that are 500 to 600 years old.
- Main Pillars: The torii has two main pillars called "Hashira". Each with a circumference of 13.4 meters and a diameter of around 9.9 meters. These pillars are solid, and no part of the structure is buried underground. The gate stands solely on its weight, held in place by the pressure exerted by the tide and the interconnected wooden structure.
- Supporting Pillars: In addition to the two main pillars, there are four supporting pillars (two on each side), which stabilize the structure.
- Crossbeams: The torii’s crossbeams (Nuki and Kasagi) stretch about 24 meters across and provide additional structural support. The roof of the gate is also covered with copper plates, adding to its durability and visual appeal.
- Color: The gate is painted in a vibrant vermilion (red-orange), a color commonly used in Shinto shrines as it is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Itsukushima Torii | Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Available for purchase here)
Characteristics and Importance of Itsukushima Torii
Floating Effect: One of the most distinctive features of the Grand Torii is the way it appears to "float" on the water during high tide. When the tide comes in, the base of the torii is submerged, giving the impression that it is emerging directly from the sea. This visual effect enhances its spiritual and symbolic significance, as the sea is seen as a purifying and sacred element in Shintoism.
At low tide, visitors can walk directly up to the base of the torii. This creates a unique relationship between the torii and the natural environment, emphasizing the shrine's harmonious connection to both land and sea.
Spiritual Symbolism: In Shinto belief, torii gates mark the transition from the mundane world to a sacred space. The torii’s placement in the sea reinforces its role as a protector of maritime travelers and a guardian of the island’s sacredness.
National Importance: The Grand Torii is not only an important religious symbol but also a national icon of Japan. Itsukushima Shrine, including the torii, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Artistic Influence: The Grand Torii has inspired numerous artists, poets, and photographers. It has been depicted in traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints and contemporary art, reflecting its status as a cultural symbol. Its picturesque beauty, especially at sunset, has made it a popular subject for photography and artwork.
Role in Religious Ceremonies: The torii plays an important part in religious festivals held at Itsukushima Shrine, particularly the Kangen-sai festival, which dates back to the Heian Period. During this festival, traditional court music (kangen) is played as boats sail beneath the torii, highlighting its role as a spiritual and cultural landmark in both the religious life of the shrine and the community.
Itsukushima Shrine. © O. Robert
Itsukushima Torii and Photography
The Itsukushima Torii, rising gracefully from the sea, embodies both minimalism and spirituality, making it a profound subject for monochrome photography. In black and white, the torii’s vibrant colors are stripped away, revealing its pure form against the fluidity of water and sky. This reduction emphasizes the structure’s quiet power, highlighting the relationship between the human-made and the natural in a timeless dialogue.
Long exposures enhance this effect by blurring the movement of the tide and clouds, creating a serene, almost ethereal atmosphere. The stillness of the torii contrasts with the soft, flowing surroundings, symbolizing the eternal amidst the transient. In this minimalistic composition, light and shadow replace color as the medium through which the viewer connects with the image, reflecting the spiritual stillness and meditative quality that the shrine itself inspires.
Monochrome photography, with its focus on texture, contrast, and form, parallels Shinto’s reverence for simplicity and nature. This visual minimalism becomes a meditation on presence, time, and impermanence, inviting viewers into a space of contemplation, where the spiritual significance of the scene transcends the material, much like the sacred gate’s quiet, enduring presence in the landscape.
Comments