mountain
Unicode: 26F0 FE0F
Description
A dark, often silhouetted, image of a traditional Japanese torii gate, commonly associated with Shinto shrines and spiritual transitions.
Group:
Travel & Places > place-geographic
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Typically represents tranquility, spirituality, tradition, journey, or the idea of a sacred place. Can evoke feelings of peace, respect, or a desire for cultural exploration.
Backstory
The Torii Gate emoji was introduced in Unicode 6.0 (2010). The torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the profane to the sacred. The 'FE0F' is a variation selector that ensures the emoji is displayed in its colorful emoji form rather than a monochrome text character.
Usage Examples
- Indicating travel to Japan: 'Next stop, Kyoto! ⛩️ #JapanTravel'
- Expressing spiritual connection: 'Finding peace at the shrine. ⛩️'
- Highlighting Japanese culture: 'So much history and beauty in Japan. ⛩️'
- Describing a tranquil or serene place: 'This garden feels truly sacred. ⛩️'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Often recognized as a symbol of Japan, indicating travel, exoticism, or a general appreciation for Japanese culture. Less spiritual connotation than in its native context.
East Asian culture:
Deeply rooted in Shinto beliefs, representing the entrance to a sacred space and the transition from the mundane to the spiritual. Used to signify reverence, tradition, or a connection to heritage.