Text by Alex
In Japan, a torii gate symbolizes the entrance to a sacred space, typically painted vermilion red, though there are many variations—such as those in the original stone color or rows of hundreds of torii gates leading you through, giving the sensation of passing into another world. Those erected atop mountains resemble even more a gateway to heaven.
▲ The "Sky Torii" at Takaoka Shrine (photo by kawazoekeita @IG)
The most famous mountain-top torii gate is the "Sky Torii" located within Takaoka Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku. It stands atop Mt. Inazumi, at an elevation of 407 meters. Walking from the base at Inazumi Grand Shrine to reach it, you’ll pass by Takaoka Shrine’s Chūgū (the Sky Torii is at the Honsha, or main shrine), taking about 50 minutes in total.
▲ (photo by takaphilography @IG)
▲ (photo by ycmrmn @IG)
▲ (photo by kawazoekeita @IG)
Standing under the white torii gate of Takaoka Shrine, you’re greeted with endless views of the rural scenery of Kannonji City and the healing beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. On clear days, even Shikoku’s highest peak, Mount Ishizuchi, can be seen. In 2018, the Sky Torii was selected as one of the "Shikoku Hachijuhachi-kei" (88 Scenic Spots of Shikoku) and has gradually become a popular Instagram spot, but due to its somewhat inconvenient access, visitor numbers remain low—making it a hidden gem in Kagawa Prefecture.
▲ The stairs leading up to Takaoka Shrine. (photo by tm599xx_subie @IG)
▲ (photo by ca.m.0828 @IG)
▲ (photo by kawazoekeita @IG)
Kyushu also has a renowned mountaintop torii gate, and it sits at an even higher elevation than Shikoku’s "Sky Torii." Located about a two-hour drive from Kumamoto City in Kyushu, Mt. Kurikoma is the highest mountain in the Amakusa region (elevation 682 meters). At its summit stands Kurikoma Shrine, also known as the “Shrine in the Sky,” which offers a 360-degree unobstructed view of the Amakusa Islands, the Yatsushiro Sea, and the Ariake Sea. Though Kurikoma Shrine is relatively primitive and modest, it has long been a place where local fishermen pray for safe voyages and bountiful catches. Within the shrine grounds, you can find several small stone boats adorned with shells caught in the nearby waters, reflecting the fishermen’s reverence for the shrine as their guardian deity.
▲ Kurikoma Shrine (photo by damadamaya @IG)
▲ (photo by kunihito_ohtsubo @IG)
▲ (photo by sanga3 @IG)
▲ (photo by yosshijp @IG)
▲ Local fishermen come to Kurikoma Shrine to pray for safe travels and good fishing. (photo by daaaaigo746 @Twitter)
Source: Kannonji City Official Website, Amakusa Official Tourism Website