What the Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii Is
Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii (春日神社西参道鳥居, Kasuga Jinja Nishi Sando Torii) is a stone gateway erected in 1934 at the start of the west approach to Mikasayama Kasuga Shrine in Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on October 28, 2011. The west approach leads to the west gate beside the worship hall, and this torii marks its entrance.
It is a myojin-style torii 3.1 metres wide and 3.9 metres high. Round pillars 36 centimetres in diameter lean slightly inward (Uchikorobi) and are tied by a tie beam and a double lintel. The two lintels are of nearly equal depth, and the whole top curves gently, giving the gateway a settled, stable look.
Why It Was Registered
The Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii is one of the younger structures among the 13 registered, dating from the early Showa period. It still carries on the precinct's older layout by marking the entrance to a second approach, the one leading to the west gate. The registration criterion is contribution to the historic landscape.
The approach torii at the southern edge of the grounds was put up in 1720. It is the same 3.1 metres wide and 3.8 metres high, so the two differ in height by only 10 centimetres. More than two centuries apart, two gateways of almost identical size mark the shrine's two approaches.
What to Look For
Compare the lintels. The southern torii flicks up sharply at both ends; the Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii keeps both lintels of similar depth and lets the whole top curve gently. The same torii type reads as forceful in the Edo version and calm in the Showa one.
Look at the pillars too. They are 36 centimetres across and, seen from the side, lean slightly inward.
Visiting the West Approach Torii
The torii stands in the open and can be seen at any time. Walk through it and along the west approach to reach the red-painted west gate. Directions and general visiting information are on the Mikasayama Kasuga Shrine page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Oita
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii
- [ Beppu Hell Tour & Yufuin Onsen Hot Springs ]
Q&A
- When was the Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii built?
- In 1934. It was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on October 28, 2011.
- How big is the Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii?
- It is a stone myojin-style torii 3.1 metres wide and 3.9 metres high, with round pillars 36 centimetres in diameter.
- What are the features of the Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii?
- Its two lintels are of nearly equal depth and curve gently along their whole length, giving it a stable look. The pillars lean slightly inward.
- How does the Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii differ from the southern approach torii?
- The southern torii dates from 1720 and flicks up sharply at the ends; the west approach torii curves gently. Both are 3.1 metres wide, and their heights differ by 10 centimetres.
- Where does the path through the Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii lead?
- Along the west approach to the west gate beside the worship hall.
Basic Information
| Name | Kasuga Shrine West Approach Torii (春日神社西参道鳥居) |
|---|---|
| Location | 5206 Mikasayama, Kusaji, Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure), No. 44-0195 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2011/10/28 (Heisei 23) |
| Quantity | 1 torii |
| Dimensions | Stone, 3.1 metres wide, 3.9 metres high |
| Owner | Kasuga Shrine (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Outdoors; can be seen at any time |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: 春日神社西参道鳥居
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00009096
- Cultural Heritage Online: 春日神社西参道鳥居
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/237686
- Mikasayama Kasuga Shrine official site: Registered buildings
- https://www.mikasayama-kasuga.com/bunkazai.html
Last verified: 2026.09.26
