The “Torii” is a traditional Japanese gate. The function of the torii is to mark the entrance of a sacred space. It wards off evil spirits, danger, and bad luck. This one on the top of a mountain was HUGE! 
Some of the shrines are very old and have a lot of character. The architecture and details are amazing. Some of these were built hundreds of years ago and are still standing strong. 
It was so nice to experience a lot of nature on my last trip to Japan. The plan for the next Japan trip is to go even deeper into nature. And these mountains won’t have beautiful pink cherry blossoms anymore. Instead, these mountains will have bright red, orange, and yellow maple leaves. It’s just as beautiful! 
After coming down from the mountains in the countryside, we go to a little mall and the first thing I see is a very long line at McDonalds. WHY????? Japan has some of the cheapest and best food in the world and you go to eat at McDonalds? I don’t get it…
