The Three Great Torii Gates of Japan
Torii gates are one of the most recognizable symbols of Japan.
Standing at the entrance to Shinto shrines, they mark the boundary between everyday space and sacred ground.
Japan has thousands of torii gates, but three historic wooden gates are traditionally known as the Three Great Wooden Torii Gates of Japan.
They are the Great Torii of Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, the First Torii of Kasuga Taisha in Nara, and the Great Torii of Kehi Jingu in Fukui.
Each one has a very different setting—from a gate standing in the sea to a historic entrance surrounded by an ancient city and another guarding one of Hokuriku’s most important shrines.
In this guide, we introduce all three torii gates, explain what makes them special, and share practical tips for visiting them.
Local Tip: Large torii gates are often part of a wider shrine or sacred landscape rather than standalone photo spots. Give yourself time to experience the approach, surrounding grounds, and nearby streets instead of visiting only for one picture.
What Are the Three Great Torii Gates of Japan?
| Torii Gate | Location | Approx. Height | Current Gate | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Itsukushima Shrine O-Torii | Hiroshima | 16.6 m | 1875 | Standing in the sea |
| Kasuga Taisha First Torii | Nara | 6.75 m | 1634 | Historic Kasuga-style torii |
| Kehi Jingu Great Torii | Fukui | 10.93 m | 1645 | Massive vermilion wooden gate |
All three are historic wooden torii gates and are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
They are very different in size and surroundings, so visiting each one offers a different way to experience Japanese shrine culture.
What Does a Torii Gate Mean?
A torii is a gate commonly found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine.
It represents the boundary between the ordinary world and the sacred space of the shrine.
Torii gates come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Some are simple wooden structures, while others are painted bright vermilion or built from stone or metal.
The basic form usually includes two vertical pillars supporting horizontal beams across the top.
For travelers, a torii is more than a beautiful photo spot. It is part of an active religious site, so understanding a few basic customs can make your visit more respectful.
Basic Torii Gate Etiquette
- Give a small bow before entering through the torii.
- Walk slightly to the left or right rather than directly through the center.
- Keep your voice relatively quiet inside shrine grounds.
- Follow signs and photography restrictions at each shrine.
- Bow again when leaving if you would like to follow traditional shrine etiquette.
If you want to learn more about shrine manners and other important customs, see our Japanese Etiquette for Tourists guide.
The center of the approach is traditionally regarded as a path for the kami, or Shinto deities, which is why visitors commonly walk slightly to one side.
If you want to learn more about shrine manners, see our Japanese Etiquette for Tourists guide.
For an official introduction to shrine customs in Japan, you can also check the JNTO Shrine and Temple Traditions guide.
Itsukushima Shrine O-Torii – Hiroshima
The Great Torii of Itsukushima Shrine is probably the most internationally recognized torii gate in Japan.
It stands in the sea off Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture and appears to float on the water when the tide is high.
The current gate was erected in 1875 and stands approximately 16.6 meters high.
Its two main pillars are made from natural camphor trees, while additional support pillars help form its distinctive Ryobu-style structure.
Unlike many structures fixed deep into the ground, the huge torii is stabilized largely by its own weight.
Why the Itsukushima Torii Is Special
The biggest attraction is how dramatically the scenery changes with the tide.
At high tide, the vermilion gate appears to rise directly from the sea, creating the famous floating-torii view.
During sufficiently low tides, visitors may be able to walk across the exposed seabed toward the gate.
This means the same place can look completely different depending on the time of your visit.
Check the Tide Before You Visit
If seeing a particular view is important to you, check Miyajima’s official tide information before your trip.
A higher tide is better for the classic floating-gate scenery, while a low tide may allow you to get much closer on foot.
Tide conditions change every day, so do not rely on a timetable from an old blog post.
Access and Travel Tips
Miyajima is reached by ferry from Miyajimaguchi.
The ferry crossing takes about 10 minutes, making the island relatively easy to include in a Hiroshima itinerary.
Itsukushima Shrine can become crowded during weekends, holidays, cherry blossom season, and autumn foliage season.
If possible, arriving earlier in the day can give you more time to explore the shrine, waterfront, shopping streets, and other parts of Miyajima.
Miyajima is also one of the famous Three Views of Japan. If you want to discover the other two scenic destinations, see our Three Views of Japan guide.
Kasuga Taisha First Torii – Nara
Kasuga Taisha is one of Nara’s most important Shinto shrines and forms part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The shrine’s origins date to the eighth century, and the main shrine buildings at the present site were established in 768.
The First Torii, or Ichi no Torii, stands at the western end of the traditional approach to the shrine.
The current wooden gate was rebuilt in 1634 and stands approximately 6.75 meters high.
Why the Kasuga Taisha Torii Is Special
The First Torii is one of Japan’s Three Great Wooden Torii Gates and is designated an Important Cultural Property.
Its architectural form is associated with the traditional Kasuga style of torii.
Unlike the Itsukushima gate surrounded by water, this torii stands within the historic urban and religious landscape of Nara.
Passing through it begins a long approach toward Kasuga Taisha, where the atmosphere gradually changes from the city streets to the greenery of Nara Park and the shrine area.
What Else to See at Kasuga Taisha
Kasuga Taisha is famous for its vermilion shrine buildings and large collection of stone and bronze lanterns.
The surrounding area is also closely connected to Nara’s deer, which have long been associated with the shrine’s religious traditions.
Nearby attractions include Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Mount Wakakusa.
This makes Kasuga Taisha easy to include in a full day of sightseeing in Nara.
Access and Travel Tips
Kasuga Taisha can be reached from both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station by bus.
Travelers who enjoy walking can also explore the shrine as part of a longer route through Nara Park.
Because the First Torii stands along the approach rather than directly beside the Main Sanctuary, do not rush past it on your way deeper into the shrine grounds.
Take time to look at the gate itself and notice how the atmosphere changes as you continue toward the shrine.
For more ideas nearby, see our guide to the top places to visit in Nara.
Opening hours and access information may change, so check the Kasuga Taisha official website before your visit.
For more ideas nearby, see our guide to the top places to visit in Nara.
Kehi Jingu Great Torii – Fukui
Kehi Jingu is located in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, and has long been one of the most important shrines in the Hokuriku region.
Its massive vermilion Great Torii is the third member of Japan’s Three Great Wooden Torii Gates.
The current gate was rebuilt in 1645 and stands approximately 10.93 meters high.
It is a wooden Ryobu-style torii and is designated an Important Cultural Property.
Why the Kehi Jingu Torii Is Special
The gate has a powerful presence because of its scale, deep vermilion color, and traditional wooden construction.
According to historical records, the earlier torii had been destroyed by a storm, and the present structure was rebuilt during the Edo period.
The gate serves as a dramatic entrance to the shrine and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tsuruga.
Compared with Itsukushima and Nara, Tsuruga receives fewer international visitors, so Kehi Jingu can also be an interesting choice for travelers who want to experience a major historic shrine outside Japan’s busiest tourist routes.
Access and Travel Tips
Kehi Jingu is located relatively close to JR Tsuruga Station.
Local buses connect the station with the Kehi Jingu area, and the shrine can also be reached as part of a visit around central Tsuruga.
Tsuruga is now connected to the Hokuriku Shinkansen network, making the city easier to include in trips through Fukui and the Hokuriku region.
If you have extra time, Tsuruga also has a historic port area, coastal scenery, and local seafood.
For the latest opening hours and transportation information, check the official Discover Fukui guide to Kehi Jingu Shrine.
Which of Japan’s Three Great Torii Gates Should You Visit?
| If You Want… | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| The most iconic scenery | Itsukushima Shrine |
| A torii combined with classic Nara sightseeing | Kasuga Taisha |
| A quieter historic shrine experience | Kehi Jingu |
| Sea views and photography | Itsukushima Shrine |
| Shrines, temples, and deer in one day | Kasuga Taisha |
| Exploring the Hokuriku region | Kehi Jingu |
For most first-time visitors, Itsukushima and Kasuga Taisha are easier to combine with classic Japan itineraries.
Kehi Jingu is especially worthwhile for travelers exploring Fukui, Tsuruga, or the Hokuriku region.
There is no need to visit all three on one trip. Each works best as part of a wider regional itinerary.
Tips for Visiting Torii Gates and Shinto Shrines
- Remember that shrines are active religious sites, not only tourist attractions.
- Bow lightly before entering through a torii if you want to follow traditional etiquette.
- Avoid walking directly through the center of the approach when possible.
- Do not block entrances or pathways while taking photos.
- Check signs before using tripods, drones, or other photography equipment.
- Keep food and drinks to permitted areas.
- Follow staff instructions during festivals, ceremonies, and crowded periods.
You do not need to know every shrine custom perfectly before visiting Japan.
Being quiet, respectful, and aware of the people around you is more important than worrying about every small detail.
Final Tips
Japan’s Three Great Wooden Torii Gates show how one simple architectural form can create completely different experiences.
Itsukushima Shrine offers one of Japan’s most famous sea views, Kasuga Taisha connects visitors with the historic landscape of Nara, and Kehi Jingu preserves an impressive wooden gate in the port city of Tsuruga.
All three are more than photo spots. They continue to mark entrances to sacred spaces and remain important parts of living Shinto traditions.
Whether you visit one or all three, take time to look beyond the size of the gate itself.
The surrounding shrine, landscape, history, and local culture are what make each torii truly memorable.
