Matsu no sando, the pine pathway

Before reaching the second torii gate of the Izumo Taisha, the road to the main shrine splits in two parallel footpaths.

According to tradition, the pilgrims must walk around the torii, on the two footpaths, because the path passing under the torii is reserved to the kami (gods). The path is called Matsu no sando, meaning the "pine tree approach".