It’s not nice to fool mother nature. As humans, we’ve been tempting fate when it comes to where we live, what we do and our place on the planet for too long. Some of us revere the planet and do everything we can to save it. Others bludgeon onward without a care in the world. The planet is still under siege
either by humans or by mother earth. There is really no use in pointing fingers, because it is what it is. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do our utmost to do our best. But it does signal that we need to do our part. And there are few places on the planet where that ethos is paramount. Japan. Japan experiences a high frequency of earthquakes, with around 1,500 earthquakes per year.
Many of these are minor and not felt by residents, but Japan also experiences around 160 earthquakes each year with a magnitude of 5.0 or higher that cause noticeable shaking, according to voyapon.com. The country’s location at the convergence of four tectonic plates makes it particularly prone to seismic activity. Therefore, they do whatever they can.
One such approach is how buildings are constructed. Another is the people doing their part. The latter can be witnessed by the Japanese’ way of thinking and acting. If you visit Japan, you will see structures large and small known as Torii. A Torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine. It is the most recognizable symbol of Shintoism and of Japan itself. Visually, a torii is simple yet elegant, typically consisting of two vertical posts (hashira) and two horizontal lintels (kasagi and nuki). While they can be made of unpainted wood or stone, the most famous ones are a vibrant vermillion red, a color believed to ward off evil. A Torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine. It is the most recognizable symbol of Shintoism and of Japan itself.
Visually, a torii is simple yet elegant, typically consisting of two vertical posts (hashira) and two horizontal lintels (kasagi and nuki). While they can be made of unpainted wood or stone, the most famous ones are a vibrant vermillion red, a color believed to ward off evil. Why should we experience them?
Experiencing a torii is more than just looking at a gate; it is a profound cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic experience that offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Japanese tradition.
A Threshold to the Sacred: The primary purpose of a torii is to mark the transition from the mundane, everyday world to a sacred space inhabited by the kami (Shinto deities). As you walk through a torii, you are physically and symbolically leaving the secular world behind and entering a realm of spiritual purity and tranquility. This act itself is a simple but powerful ritual that can be deeply moving. Want to learn more? Click here courtesy of NHK WORLD-JAPAN
One wonderful feature of Japan is its amazing rail. Our affiliate partners, Klook have tickets. Click here