Taiko-bashi and their use in Japanese shrines and temples

Among the many bridges found in Japanese culture, the taiko-bashi stands out—not only for its dramatic shape but also for its deep spiritual symbolism. While I’ve written broadly about Japanese bridges before, this post takes a closer look at this unique structure and its role in shrines, temples, and gardens.

What is a taiko-bashi?

A taiko-bashi is a bridge that is curved very steeply like the back of a taiko drum. Due to the steep curve, it is difficult for humans to climb this bridge when it doesn’t have special stairs built in.

This brings us directly to their function and symbolism in Japanese shrines.

Taiko-bashi in Japanese shrines

The taiko-bashi in Japanese shrines is a symbol for dividing the mundane world from the sacred world. Just like the torii gate. 

The taiko-bashi is usually placed along the sando, the formal approach to the shrine (参道) and crossing it is an act of purification. The pond the taiko-bashi are leading over is often a purification pond (chouzu-ike 手水池) in a Shinto context. The taiko-bashi in this setting is frequently painted in a specific red which is said to ward off evil. When the arch is extremely steep and no steps are built in, the shrine follows the belief that the bridge is not meant for crossing by humans and is exclusively meant as a path for gods. A closed-off taiko-bridge should always be respected. Either regarding religious meaning or safety.

Taiko-bashi in Japanese Buddhist temples

The drum bridges in Buddhist temples share a similar meaning to the taiko-bashi in Shinto shrines. Here too, they are a symbol of purification although in a different religious context. Often, it is seen as the passage to Amida’s paradise (The Pure Land). Especially if the pond is a lotus pond. When a taiko-bashi leads over a shinji-ike pond, it usually symbolises the separation of higan (彼岸 the other shore, representing enlightenment or nirvana in Buddhist belief) and the mundane world. Passing the bridges means purification from worldliness towards holiness.

The taiko-bashi in Buddhist temples are often not as steep as the bridges in Shinto shrines.

Taiko-bashi in Japanese gardens

In Japanese gardens, the taiko-bashi is often used as a focal point but can refer to the bridges and their meaning in Buddhist temples.

 They’re built in the gardens mainly for their aesthetic impact. The reflection they show on the pond and their bright colour among the green of the garden.

They are used in landscape quotes, depicting famous bridges in Japan or China or are part of the storytelling of a garden when they mark a turning point or the transition to the sacred world.

They also make it easier to navigate the garden by boat how it was common in Heian period palace gardens.

If you want to dig deeper into Japanese gardens and their symbols, have a look at our already published books!

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