A Torii Gate in the Sky: Takaya Shrine in Kagawa, Shikoku, Japan

By Olivia

JapanTorii gates at shrines have long been a favorite photo spot for visitors. It’s said that these gates serve as passages between the divine realm inhabited by the gods and the human world, functioning as a kind of “boundary,” and are shrouded in an aura of mystery. Beyond popular destinations like Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto that are must-visits for tourists...Japanthere are actually many uniquely charming torii gates around the country. This time, we’ll introduce the “torii gate in the sky” at Takaya Shrine in Shikoku.

Locatedin KagawaPrefecture, Takaya Shrine can be considered a hidden gem, as it takes about forty minutes to walk from the mountain base to the shrine—an excellent test of your endurance. However, the breathtaking view of the city meeting the Seto Inland Sea from the mountaintop makes every step worthwhile.

The picturesque scenery beneath the torii gate takes on an even more mystical quality, as if this were a dwelling place of the gods.

In autumn, Takaya Shrine is even more stunning with its beautiful red foliage—absolutely photogenic. The shrine also offers a different ambiance during dusk and nighttime, making it well worth spending the whole day there.

Travelers heading to Shikoku next time shouldn’t miss out on this attraction.

Takaya Shrine
Kagawaw?Onzan City, Takaya Town, 2730 Izumiyama

Image source:  amauma_jp / mts_81 / t0215wa / kawazoekeita / tomo393