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Copper Torii / Izumo Taisha

The “Copper Torii” of Izumo-taisha Shrine is a historical torii gate, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and adorns one of the entrances to the grounds of Izumo-taisha Shrine. This torii is unique in that it differs from ordinary wooden or stone torii in that it uses copper as its primary material. The entire torii has taken on a beautiful bluish-green hue with age, creating a unique and solemn atmosphere. The copper torii was built in 1793. At that time, Izumo-taisha was an important shrine that welcomed many visitors, and this copper torii was installed to decorate the entrance with a high level of prestige. The use of copper, an expensive material, also shows the depth of faith at that time and how special Izumo-taisha Shrine was. When it was first installed, the copper torii gate was also called “Matsu-no-torii,” meaning “gate of the pine tree. This name derives from the fact that pine trees were planted on both sides of the torii. These pine trees not only enhanced the scenery of the approach, but also served as a symbol of sacred space. Over time, however, the pine trees have disappeared, and today the bronze torii itself has become a symbol of Izumo-taisha Shrine.


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