torii 鳥居
The iconic red gates marking the entrance to Shinto shrines. Torii separate the ordinary world from sacred space.
- Must see: The thousands of vermilion torii gates of the 伏見稲荷大社 Fushimi Inari-taisha (shrine) in Kyoto, guarded by 狐 kitsune (Inari foxes).
- Etiquette: When passing through, bow slightly. Walking through the center is walking the divine catwalk – stick to the sides, you’re not a 神 kami.
See also 伏見稲荷大社 Fushimi Inari-taisha; shintō 神道.