These big vermillion gates are called torii and as portals between the profane and the sacred, they are traditionally found at entrances to, and within, Shinto shrines.
This enormous complex includes so many beautiful structures...
Large and small, all were fascinating.
There was too much to see in our limited time there; I hope to go back some day.
Gorgeous. See the two stone critters to the left and right of the top of the stairs?
They are foxes, or kitsune, and are the messengers of Inari. This one holds in its mouth a key to a granary, as I understand.
I think foxes are pretty awesome in their own right, but magical Japanese kitsune are even more awesome. |
