Key Points

- Gates that mark the transition from the mundane world to the sacred realm of Shinto shrines

Brief Bio 

In Japanese mythology, torii gates mark the transition from the mundane world to the sacred realm of Shinto shrines. They are traditionally found at the entrance of or within Shinto shrines and are symbolic of a gateway to the divine. 

The name "torii" literally translates to "bird abode," and one popular theory about their origin stems from the myth of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who hid in a cave. The gods lured her out by having birds perch on a tree outside, which then became the symbolic "bird abode".