When you visit a shrine in Japan, the first thing you’ll notice is a large gate—painted in bright red or made of simple wood—standing at the entrance. This is called a torii, and beyond it stretches a sando, or the approach path.
But why are torii gates usually red? Why do people avoid walking in the center of the path? What’s the meaning behind these customs?
I once had a conversation with an Australian traveler named Mia, who visited Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. Her questions and reflections inspired this article.
Let me share her story and what she learned through her journey.
Index
🟥 Why Are Torii Gates Red?
“I couldn’t help but notice how vivid and bright the torii gates are. Especially at Fushimi Inari—it felt like walking through fire-colored tunnels!”
— Mia, from Australia
Many foreign visitors are fascinated by the striking vermilion red color of torii gates.
This color is not just for beauty—it has a deeper meaning.
In Shinto belief, red symbolizes life force and protection against evil spirits. The pigment often contains mercury or other materials with preservative qualities, which helped torii survive Japan’s humid weather in ancient times.
In some shrines, especially older ones or those located deep in nature, you may also see unpainted wooden torii. These represent a different aesthetic—simplicity and harmony with nature.
So, whether painted red or left in natural wood, torii gates are spiritual boundaries—they separate the everyday world from the sacred one.
🚶 Why Do People Avoid Walking in the Middle of the Path?
“When I entered Meiji Shrine, I noticed that everyone walked to the sides of the path. I thought, ‘Is the center broken or something?’”
— Mia
This is one of the most common questions travelers ask. The answer lies in the spiritual layout of shrines.
The center of the sando (the approach path) is known as the “seichu”—a sacred space reserved for the gods (called kami in Japanese).
By walking to the left or right side, worshippers show respect and humility, leaving the central path open for the deity.
It’s not a strict rule, and locals don’t always follow it either. But many people, especially during New Year visits or traditional ceremonies, consciously avoid walking in the center.
Mia told me later that learning this gave her a sense of connection to the culture.
“It’s like walking with awareness, even before I say a single prayer.”
🛐 So… Is a Shrine Like a Church?
“I was raised Catholic, so I expected the shrine to be like a church. But there were no benches, no pastor… and I didn’t know what to do!”
— Mia
Shrines and churches may both be places of worship, but they’re very different in form and function.
A Shinto shrine is not about sermons or regular services. It’s a place to connect with nature and the spirit of the land.
Visitors cleanse their hands and mouth at a temizuya (water basin), walk under the torii, and offer prayers at the haiden (main hall).
You might see people bow twice, clap twice, and bow once more. That’s the standard way to offer respect to the kami.
Mia said the ritual felt peaceful:
“No pressure to say the right words… I just bowed and felt grateful. It was quiet, and I liked that.”
🌳 The Path Itself Is a Ritual
You don’t have to be religious to enjoy shrines. For many Japanese people, visiting a shrine is less about faith and more about ritual, culture, and atmosphere.
Even the walk along the sando is considered part of the experience. The gravel under your feet, the tall trees lining the path, the sound of birds—it all creates a special mood.
Mia noticed this too.
“The walk to the shrine made me slow down. It’s like I was preparing myself, step by step.”
Conclusion
The torii is not just a gate. The path is not just a road. Every element of a Japanese shrine has layers of meaning—from spiritual to historical.
Next time you visit a shrine in Japan, take your time. Walk with respect. Feel the quiet beauty.
And maybe, like Mia, you’ll come away with more than just photos—you’ll carry a bit of Japanese spirit with you.
Coming Next: Part 3 – How to Pray at a Shrine: Bowing, Clapping, and More Explained
P.S.
Torii gates are a relatively familiar sight in Japan. They are places where birds, messengers of the gods, can rest their wings. In other words, by being in Japan, we may be able to become closer to the gods.
またね(Matane)!
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