GREAT TORII GATE in MIYAJIMA
Original was built in 1168 same year with Itsukushima shrine.
Height : 16.6 meter (55ft)
Between the post : 10.9 meter (38ft)
Weight : approx 60 ton
Current Torii gate is the 8th generation since 1875.
It is under major repair work until 2023 spring.
One post was from the Miyazaki, kyushu area and the other was from Kagawa, shikoku area.
What is the purpose of Torii Gate?
There are 3 reasons that Torii settle at the shrine in Japan
- According to an old myth, to perch the bird to attract the goddess.
- It came from India, through China, Korea to Japan.
- The purpose of Torii gate is to secure a shrine to our world.
It is believed that people should walk right or left of under the Torii Gate, the center is for god.
Why is the Torii gate color vermillion(Red)?
The original Torii gate is white or it’s wood color. It started to paint vermillion during Shinbutsu-Shugo(syncretism of Kami and Buddhas) after Buddhism came to Japan in the 6th century.
However, it is believed that vermillion color is believed as
- Ward off evil spirits
- Paint materials(Mercury sulfide) works as preservative
- Enhance god power
How does Torii Gate standing the sea？
It seems like floating on the water but it just stands alone by its weight.(about 60t)
On the top is a unique box structure filled with 7 tons of stones to Torii more stable.
There are many piles under the Torii gate to make the Torii stands stable and hardened by concrete and granite.
