A torii is a traditional Japanese gate that marks the entrance to a sacred space, often found at the entrance of Shinto shrines. It symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the sacred, inviting visitors to enter a spiritual realm. Torii gates are typically made of wood or stone and are painted in bright colors, most commonly vermillion. These gates come in various styles and sizes, with the most recognizable being the shinmei and kasuga types. Torii can also be found in other East Asian cultures, but they are most closely associated with Japan and its rich spiritual heritage.