Today’s Japan Photo: Itsukushima Shrine Torii 厳島神社鳥居

One of my favorite scenic spot in Japan has gotta be the unique Torii of Itsukushima Shrine [厳島神社]. Although we have already visited it once, we are going to revisit it again for Today’s Japan Photo..

This great looking sunset photo of the Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate was taken by flickr user araite. I liked the fact that there are many people crowded around the torri gate in the photo, as it somehow injects life into the photo.

A little more information on this particular Torii:

The dramatic gate (torii) of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions, and the view of the gate in front of the island’s Mount Misen is classified as one of the Three Views of Japan (along with the sand bar Amanohashidate, and Matsushima Bay). The gate has existed since 1168, though the current gate dates back to 1875. The gate, built of camphor wood, is about 16 metres high and was built in a four-legged style to provide additional stability.

The gate only appears to be floating at high tide; when the tide is low, the gate is surrounded by mud and can be accessed by foot from the island. It is common practice for visitors to place coins in the cracks of the legs of the gate and make a wish. Gathering shellfish near the gate is also popular at low tide. At night, powerful lights on the shore illuminate the gate.