Among the hundreds and thousands of torii arches across Japan, some of them deviate from the typical reddish-orange hue and come in different colors. If you're looking to add some unique torii arches to your future travel plans, this list covers some to look out for.
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, Hokkaido
Known for its springtime moss phlox, the Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park turns a vibrant shade of pink from the May to early June timeframe. The pink color isn't just relegated to the flowers – there is a pink torii on the grounds which makes for a fun photo spot when the shibazakura are in bloom.
93 Higashimokotosuehiro, 大空町 Ozora, Abashiri District, Hokkaido 099-3232
Sakurai Shrine, Fukuoka
The torii at Fukuoka's Sakurai Shrine is bright white, and it's a famous scenic spot because of what's located behind it, too. Two large rocks are connected together by a shimenawa (traditional straw rope), and they're known as the "wedded rocks." A popular time for visitors to stop by is around sunset, when the views are simply incredible.
Shimasakurai, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1304
Amenoshirahano Shrine, Ibaraki
Ibaraki's Amenoshirahano Shrine is home to a gold torii arch, and it seems to be something of a theme for the region. Elsewhere in the prefecture, Hoshiimo Shrine also has a row of bright yellow torii arches – they're actually inspired by sweet potatoes, one of the region's specialties!
Hitachiota, Ibaraki 313-0043
Tozan Shrine, Saga
Arita in Saga Prefecture is often regarded as the birthplace of pottery in Japan, and at Tozan Shrine visitors will immediately notice that the torii arch here is made from Arita-yaki (the broad term for pottery produced in the region). In addition to the torii arch, numerous other statues on the grounds are also made from porcelain rather than stone.
2 Chome-5-1 Odaru, Arita, Nishimatsuura District, Saga Prefecture 844-0004
Sanage Shrine, Aichi
Another shiny yellow torii can be found at Aichi's Sanage Shrine, which takes up part of the 629-meter high Mount Sanage. The shrine has a recorded history dating back to the 9th Century, and along with the yellow torii, the grounds are famous for some additional vibrant color during autumn – plan for the mid to late November timeframe if you'd like to see the fall foliage here at its best.
Oshiro-5 Sanagecho, Toyota, Aichi 470-0361
Shōin Shrine, Tokyo
Located in the Setagaya area of the city, Tokyo's Shōin Jinja is where Edo-period intellectual Yoshida Shōin is enshrined. The torii arch here is classic black, which looks particularly striking when the spring cherry blossoms on the grounds are in bloom.
4 Chome-35-1 Wakabayashi, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0023
