Ichi no Torii First Torii Gate 一之鳥居

Official explanation

The first torii gate marks the main entrance to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and is designated an Important Cultural Property. Originally constructed during the Heian period (794–1185), the current gate dates to 1638.

This gate lies directly west of Mt. Mikasa, the sacred mountain east of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. To the west of the torii is the Sanjo Road, which once connected Kasuga Taisha Shrine with the center of Heijokyo, the first permanent capital of Japan, which was established in 710.

Read the full explanation

Torii gates mark the entrance to the sacred space of a Shinto shrine. The first torii gate of Kasuga Taisha Shrine is one of the first torii gates to be painted vermilion. This shape of torii originated at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, hence the name “Kasuga Torii.” It is one of the earliest torii with straight top lintels and slightly tapered pillars.

出典: 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース（観光庁） — www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db. この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, Multilingual Explanation Database. This English text was produced by the Japan Tourism Agency's multilingual explanation project and is shown unedited. Opening hours and services may have changed since it was written.