New Fence to Protect Tourists at Lake Biwa's Iconic Torii Gate

Mar 07, 2024 | News On Japan

Shiga, Mar 07, 2024 (News On Japan) - A new fence has been installed at Lake Biwa to stop tourists making risky crossings over a busy highway to see Shirahige Shrine's historic torii gate.

The shrine in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, boasts a history of over 2,000 years with its iconic "Lake Torii" situated across the national highway on Lake Biwa.

Despite numerous warning signs, people continue to cross the road, and there was even a fatal accident in 2021.

Until now, there was no guardrail between the shrine and the torii gate, as it was considered a "path of the gods." The shrine had only installed a wooden fence about 80 cm high. However, following requests from the shrine, the Shiga National Highway Office announced on Wednesday that a new protective fence has been installed along the highway.

The newly installed fence is 1.1 meters high and 10 meters wide, making it difficult to climb over.

Keiichi Takahashi, Chief Priest of Shirahige Shrine, commented, "We are very satisfied that the protective fence is painted in vermilion, preserving the scenic view of the shrine. Crossing the national highway is not only dangerous but also causes trouble for drivers and us. We absolutely do not want people to cross."

Visitors are urged to use the observation deck within the shrine grounds to view the torii gate.

Source: ANN

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