Itsukushima Shrine (Japan) - floating torii gate

Japan's largest gates stand in the waters of a small cove, and their two 16-meter pillars support a curved lintel of 23 m in length.

Everywhere in the world, the gates have a special symbolic and psychological meaning. The gates of this type are characteristic of Shinto temples and mean entry into a sacred area. They are the points of contact between two different zones or states of mind: public and private, known and mysterious, secular and holy.

The gates are exactly aligned with the axis of the temple behind them. However, the temple itself is much older and belongs to the most venerable in Japan. It is devoted to three Shinto goddesses, daughters of Sasanoo (god of storms and seas).

The temple consists of numerous buildings, including pavilions of prayers, purification, sacrifices and two music pavilions. There are also separate temples for the son of Sasanoo, Okinonusi and for the god Tendazin. The buildings in the bay are connected by covered underground passages, and a wooden, red bridge leads to land.