Motoki Stone Torii, Stone torii gate in Yamagata, Japan
The Motoki Stone Torii is a tuff stone gate located south of Yamagata in Japan, standing approximately 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) tall. The structure features two main columns and an upper crossbeam carved from a single stone block.
This gate was built in the late Heian period, around 976, and is the oldest surviving stone torii in Japan. It received the status of Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1952.
The gate emerged from an era when mountains were understood as sacred spaces, and its thick columns display the raw, powerful style of that time. The site draws visitors interested in experiencing old craftsmanship and the connection between people and the natural world.
The gate lies a few kilometers south of Yamagata and is reachable by bus, followed by a short walk to the site. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is rougher in the area.
Notably, the upper and lower framework was chiseled from a single stone block, showing a rare construction method. The horizontal beams are threaded through holes in the columns rather than passing through them, which is another distinctive feature of this early building technique.
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