Japan: Torii Gate II

Look familiar...?  This was one of the most humbling moments of our recent trip to Japan—standing in front of the famous floating Torii gate at Miyajima, just off the coast of Hiroshima, that inspired the replica in World Showcase Lagoon. It stands in front of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s been considered sacred for over a thousand years. Built over the water, the gate seems to float at high tide—marking a boundary between our everyday world and the Shinto spiritual realm. First built in the 12th century, the current version of the gate dates back to 1875 and is made from camphor wood. It stands more than 16 meters tall and weighs around 60 tons, held in place purely by its own weight. For centuries, pilgrims would approach the shrine by boat, passing through this gate as they entered holy ground without ever setting foot on the island itself—which was at one time considered too sacred for commoners. I've seen a thousand pictures, walked by the replica at EP