How tall is the Itsukushima Jinja O-torii?

The O-torii stands approximately 16 meters (52 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest torii gates in Japan.

What material is the Itsukushima Jinja O-torii made of?

The gate is primarily made of camphor wood, known for its durability and resistance to decay.

Why does the Itsukushima Jinja O-torii appear to float?

During high tide, the base of the gate is submerged, creating the illusion that it is floating on the water.

Can visitors walk to the Itsukushima Jinja O-torii?

Yes, visitors can walk to the gate during low tide and even touch it. However, during high tide, it is surrounded by water.

What are some popular activities near the Itsukushima Jinja O-torii?

Visitors often enjoy boat rides around the gate, photographing it from different angles, and walking along the shore to get closer during low tide.

Pink cherry blossoms frame a large red torii gate standing in turquoise water, with distant mountains, a ferry, and blue sky in the background.

Traditional Japanese Shinto shrine buildings with red columns and thatched roofs stand near the shoreline, with the iconic floating torii gate visible in the distance, surrounded by mountains and a cloudy sky.

A person stands in shallow water at sunset, facing a large, traditional red torii gate rising from the water, with mountains and a distant shoreline in the background.

A large red torii gate stands in calm water near the shore, with mountains and a sunrise or sunset sky in the background at Itsukushima Shrine in Japan.

A woman in a black dress and hat stands by the water, holding a bag, with the famous red Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine in Japan visible in the background under a blue sky.

Itsukushima Jinja O-torii (Grand Torii Gate)

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The Itsukushima Jinja O-torii, or Grand Torii Gate, is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. Situated on Miyajima Island, this giant gate appears to float on the water during high tide, creating a stunning and surreal visual.

Constructed in the 12th century, the current structure dates back to 1875. The gate stands 16 meters tall and is built from camphor wood, known for its durability and resistance to rot. Its vivid red color not only adds to its beauty but also signifies protection against evil spirits.

At high tide, the O-torii looks like it’s floating, creating a magical scene that attracts photographers and visitors from all over the world. When the tide is low, you can walk right up to the gate, offering a different but equally captivating perspective.

The Grand Torii Gate is part of the Itsukushima Shrine complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This shrine, dedicated to the Shinto gods of the sea, is a marvel of traditional Japanese architecture, with its buildings connected by wooden boardwalks over the water.

Miyajima Island itself is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with lush forests, hiking trails, and friendly deer that roam freely. The contrast between the O-torii’s majestic structure and the serene natural surroundings creates an unforgettable experience.

Itsukushima Jinja O-torii (Grand Torii Gate)

4.6 (34679)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

What other travelers are saying about Itsukushima Jinja O-torii (Grand Torii Gate)

Listed as one of the top three places to see in Japan, Itsukushima Jinja is busy — even in the off‑season. I definitely recommend going early to avoid the crowds. We arrived around 10:30 a.m., and it was already starting to fill up fast. The area around the shrine has tons of restaurants, shops, oyster bars, coffee spots (including Starbucks), and plenty of snack stands to explore. It costs about ¥300–500 to enter the temple grounds, and I recommend paying it because you can get some great photos of the torii gate from inside. Overall, it’s a beautiful place and absolutely worth visiting — just go early and be ready for crowds.

Jason R.

Jan 25, 2026

A must-visit if you’re staying in Hiroshima. We almost skipped it, but then realized it’s incredibly easy to reach — about 30 minutes by train from Hiroshima Station and then a short ferry ride (boats run every 30 minutes with two different companies). The trip itself is part of the experience. We arrived around golden hour and I’m really glad we did. Fewer people, beautiful light, and the whole island felt calm and atmospheric. The shrine, the torii gate in the water, the mountains in the background, and even the deer walking around made the area incredibly scenic. I only wish we had gone earlier in the day to spend more time exploring — it’s much more than just a quick photo stop. Highly recommended and absolutely worth the detour.

10/10! I would go here over and over if I could. The Shrine is absolutely breath taking, there's nothing like it! The Torii gate is like seeing a world wonder, nothing can beat it. The deer are also not too bad but they will dig in your pockets if youre not careful. Also there used to be monkeys but they aren't there anymore. There are also restrooms at the ferry station, right before the shrine entrance, and inside the shrine. Also the ferry rides are super quick like 5-7 minutes long. Highly recommend!!!

This has to be one of the most unique and grand shrines in Japan. I lived in Japan for 3 years and have visited the country countless times, yet this shrine completely took my breath away. I visited on a Sunday, one week before the New Year. The island was very crowded, but even so, it took less than 10 minutes to enter the shrine. The shrine is unlike any other in Japan. During high tide, it appears to float on the water, creating a mystical scene that feels like something out of a fantasy drama or anime. During low tide, you can walk all the way to the torii gate, so checking the tide table before visiting is highly recommended. The shrine also offers one of the best views of the torii gate. This alone is a great reason to enter, even if you are not visiting for prayer. It is an unforgettable experience and easily one of the most beautiful places in Japan.

Pretty cool floating Torii gate. At high tide it appears to be floating on top of the water and at low tide you can walk right out and stand beneath it. The local deer population also makes for a pretty cool experience. Only a short ferry ride across from the mainland. Views from the top of mountain are breathtaking, can either get the cable cart to the top or walk through the trees. The walk up is tough. Well worth a visit.