Otorii

An Otorii is a traditional Japanese gate typically found at the entrance of Shinto shrines. It serves as a symbolic marker that delineates the sacred space of the shrine from the secular world. Usually made of wood or stone, Otorii are often characterized by two vertical pillars connected by horizontal crossbeams, with a simple yet elegant design. The presence of an Otorii signifies purity and respect when approaching the shrine, acting as a threshold that invites visitors to transition from everyday life into a spiritual environment dedicated to kami, or spirits.