Torii Gate (O-Torii)

The gate to a Shinto shrine (Jinja), the Torii designates holy ground. As Shinto is a religion of worship of nature spirits, or Kami, most Shinto shrines are located outdoors. The Gate marks the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds, and is often the only indication that one is entering a shrine. The Torii is traditionally made in three pieces, three being a sacred number of the Kami. When entering a shrine, a visitor will clap their hands three times, and bow three times to summon the spirits before offerings are made or ritual performed.
 

Shinto Shrine