Shinto shrines can be found everywhere in Japan. Some, of course, are large and grand like the famous Meiji Jingu in central Tokyo, but many more are small, simple structures — especially so outside the big cities. And yet while they are all unique, I’ve never seen one quite like this before, or at least not one with such incredibly striking torii gates.
Morgan says
Wow those torii gates are something else. They are like something I’d expect to see in a game or a horror movie!
Lee says
They really are. Just stunning. And yeah, there’s definitely something almost otherworldly about them.
cdilla says
What a remarkable find. The shrine, and especially the location deep in a farested area, is very similar to a Japanese horror film we watched a few weeks ago. Damned if I can recall the name though. But there was nothing like those torii gates. Someone has put an awful lot of effort into keeping them just functional. One wonders whether that was out of respect or fear.
I hope you were wearing your bear warding bells. That looks seriously out-of-town.
cdilla says
The film was “The Temple”. Nothing special, other than the location.
cdilla says
And it wasn’t a Japanese film.
(Where’s the edit button gone :-))
Lee says
Haha, sorry, it was causing numerous problems so sadly had to remove it.
But yeah, it really was an incredible find. Being so out of the way, fixing them as best as possible is presumably much easier than actually replacing them. Glad too, as they look wonderful just as they are.
No bells worn, but thankfully no surprises of the bear variety!
Sebastian says
So wonderful. I love how they look among the trees and vegetation. That is what I love about the scenics that Japan offers. Do you know if there is a government department in charge of maintenance? Or can anyone do it (beyond expenses)?
Lee says
Thank you. Yeah, the torii are incredible, but the surroundings add so much. It was horribly hot and humid, but I’m glad we went last week and not in a month or so. The lush greenery is a real plus.
That’s a very good point. Really not sure to be honest. I presume a lot of it depends on who owns the land, and this is presumably under the forestry department. So possibly they take care of the financial side of things, but whether they actually do any maintenance I wouldn’t like to say.