Why does this street in Japan look like an endless tunnel of red gates: The fascinating story behind thousands of vermilion ‘torii’

Asia-Pacific World Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:10:40 GMT Moderate confidence — 73/100

Image: Japan National Tourism OrganisationFew places in the world are as instantly recognisable as the seemingly endless tunnel of brilliant red gates winding through a forested hillside in Kyoto, Japan.
To first-time visitors, it can appear as though an ordinary street has been transformed into a glowing crimson passageway stretching into the distance.
In reality, these striking structures are torii gates, sacred entrances marking the transition from the everyday world into a space dedicated to the Shinto faith.

Image: Japan National Tourism OrganisationFew places in the world are as instantly recognisable as the seemingly endless tunnel of brilliant red gates winding through a forested hillside in Kyoto, Japan.
To first-time visitors, it can appear as though an ordinary street has been transformed into a glowing crimson passageway stretching into the distance.
In reality, these striking structures are torii gates, sacred entrances marking the transition from the everyday world into a space dedicated to the Shinto faith.

Sources: Times of India