O-Torii

O-Torii, meaning grand gate, of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions, rated one of the top three views of Japan. It stands in the bay 200m in front of the shrine. The current gate, dating back to 1875, is built of camphor wood, is about 16 metres high and was built in a four-legged style, that is four additional legs as well as the primary columns, to provide additional stability. The gate appears to be floating at high tide; when the tide is low, the gate is surrounded by mud and can be accessed by foot from the island. It is common practice for visitors to place coins in the cracks of the legs of the gate and make a wish.