To give the illusion that this is an authentic torii in Japan, Walt Disney Imagineering has clever created barnacles on the base of the gate, just like the one it was modeled after: Torii de Miyajima. Of course, this is World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot, a freshwater, man-made lake where barnacles wouldn't naturally exist. These small, but important details tell a visual story that immerses the guest into a specific time and place - Japan. Most people might not consciously "see" the barnacles, but they do see them collectively with all of the other details. Combined, the details add up to tell a visual story. So, for a brief moment, they feel as though they really are in Japan. 

Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent"  by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.