‘Floating’ Torii Gate Creates Picturesque Scene at Shiga Pref. Pond

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:40 JST, July 13, 2023

A torii gate appears to be floating as it stands mostly submerged in a flowery pond in Koka, Shiga Prefecture. The torii, of unknown age, is located in Benten Pond, which surrounds a small island dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten. According to nearby Daichi Temple, folklore tells of a path that becomes visible when drought causes the water level to fall, allowing people to walk through the gate to pray for rain. Currently, the flowers are said to be at their most attractive early in the day.