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A Glimpse into Torii Gate Architecture at Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan
Timestamp: 15:24・2024/03/20
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/7.1
The large torii gate warmly welcomes visitors to the cedar-tree lined approach to the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine. Many of these trees are 800 years old and have stood tall since the Kamakura Period (1185–1333).
Historical records indicate the original torii gate was built to a height of approximately 13 m (42.65 ft) in 1688, and rebuilt in 1697 to a height of 16.4 m (53.80 ft).
The current torii gate was built of concrete in 1965 and stands approximately 18 m (59.05 ft) high. One of the cornerstones of the original gate remains at the right foot of the current gate.
The inscription in green on the plaque of the torii gate reads "Sangoku Daiichisan,” In medieval Japan, "sangoku" referred to the three kingdoms of India, China, and Japan, which basically meant the entire world. “Daiichisan” means number one mountain or the highest mountain. So, when put together "Sangoku Daiichisan" means the "The World's Highest Mountain."
This particular naming of torii gates can be readily found at shrines surrounding Mt. Fuji. This naming is rather unique in that the name on a torii gate is usually the name of the shrine to which it belongs. Around Mt. Fuji, however, many torii gates belong to Mt. Fuji as it is a deity in its own rights, and are not named after the shrine to which they are physically attached to. In fact, there are historical records that indicate that some torii gates were put up as gates to Mt. Fuji herself, and the actual Shinto shrine followed later.
Regardless of whether the torii was built for a shrine or Mt. Fuji, all torii gates are usually erected at entrances to a hallowed precinct (shrine, mountain, boulder, etc.) to demarcate a sacred place from its earthly surroundings.
The torii gate at Kawaguchi Asama Shrine uses an inari torii or daiwa torii design, which closely takes after the myoujin design that dates back to the 9th Century. Like the myoujin design, the daiwa torii design has top lintels with upward curving ends. The tie beam below the lintels is a straight, rectangular beam that extends beyond the pillars for about 1/5 of the tie beam’s length. Unlike the myoujin design, the daiwa design has a circular plate called the daiwa, which is placed on top of each pillar to prevent the seepage of rainwater into the crosscut of the pillar.
In the middle of the tie beam, there is often a framed inscribed panel or plaque called a gakuzuka. Unlike numerous torii gates around Mt. Fuji, typical inscriptions on the panel or plaque will bear the name of the nearby shrine.
Glossary:
- 三国第一山 Sangoku Daiichisan: In medieval Japan, "sangoku" referred to the three kingdoms of India, China, and Japan, which basically meant the entire world for people at that time. “Daiichisan” means number one mountain or the highest mountain. So, when put together "Sangoku Daiichisan" means the "The World's Highest Mountain."
- 台輪 daiwa: A circular plate placed at the top of the pillars used for torii gates to prevent the seepage of rainwater into the crosscut of the pillar.
- 鳥居 torii: A traditional gate-like structure, composed of two pillars with one or two horizontal crosspieces at the top with a tie beam placed below the lintels and often erected at entrances to a Shinto shrine to demarcate a symbolic gateway between the earthly realm and the sacred realm of the spirits.
- 稲荷鳥居 inari torii / 台輪 daiwa torii: Inari torii and daiwa torii are types of torii gates characterized by a circular plate, known as “daiwa,” placed on top of each pillar. This circular plate serves to prevent rainwater from seeping into the crosscut of the pillar, a feature unique to these designs.
- 明神鳥居 myoujin torii: The myoujin torii gate, developed around the 9th Century, is the most common type of shrine entrance torii gate. It features upwards curving lintels, a tie beam below, and a framed inscribed plaque connecting the tie beam and the lintel in the middle. Additionally, it is often painted vermilion, adding to its visual prominence.
- 額束 gakuzuka: Located at the center of the tie beam and connected to the upper lintel, this is a supporting strut that sometimes has a framed plaque attached to it with an inscription of the name of the shrine.
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