Torii Gate (鳥居 - Torii)
The Torii gate marks the sacred entrance to a Shinto shrine, representing the boundary between the mortal world and the realm of the spirits (kami). It is polite to bow lightly before passing through.
Originating from Shinto mythology, the word literally means 'bird perch'. When the Sun Goddess Amaterasu hid inside a cave, gods placed roosters on a wooden frame to crow and lure her out, creating the first Torii prototype.
Stop before entering the gate, align your posture, and bow once towards the shrine. When leaving, pass through the Torii, turn back toward the shrine, and bow again to show gratitude.
Which is the correct etiquette before passing through a Torii gate?