A decision has been made to remove a stone *torii* gate located on the rear approach to Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City), a structure that has been a familiar sight for over 130 years since the mid-Meiji era. The shrine plans to begin removal work as early as September 10, 2026, citing the higher risk of collapse during an earthquake compared to wooden *torii* gates. Local residents have expressed regret over the decision.
According to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the gate stands approximately 6 meters tall, with a width of about 9 meters at the *kasagi* (the uppermost crossbeam). Inscriptions on the gate indicate it was donated in 1895 by individuals named Tsuneshichi Tsuda and Tajuro Kawamura.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, home to numerous *torii* gates—including the famous "Senbon Torii" (thousands of gates)—routinely decides whether to rebuild or remove gates that have become dangerous due to aging, typically after consulting with the original donors.
The decision to remove this particular stone gate followed an assessment of collapse risks prompted by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. The shrine reports that it has been unable to contact the donors' descendants or related parties.
While the vast majority of *torii* gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha are made of wood, stone gates are rare. The shrine stated, "We decided on the removal with the safety of worshippers as our top priority, in preparation for an earthquake that could occur at any time."
A woman in her 70s who lives nearby and has seen the gate since childhood expressed her sadness, saying, "It is a magnificent gate that the community has cherished. I hope at least some trace of it remains." A woman working at a restaurant along the rear approach also shared her feelings: "It served as a landmark for our shop, so it’s sad to see it go." Removal work is scheduled to begin around September 10 and last for approximately one month. During this period, a section of the rear approach will be closed to traffic, and a detour will be established on the site of the Fushimi Inari Taisha wedding hall—known as the "Gishikiden"—which was demolished in 2024.
