Final answer:
The monumental, freestanding gateway on the approach to a Shinto shrine is called a (B) Torii. It represents the separation between the mundane and the sacred in Shintoism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The monumental, freestanding gateway on the approach to a Shinto shrine is known as a Torii. The torii gate symbolizes the transition from the profane to the sacred and is a distinctive feature of Shinto shrines, marking the separation between the physical world and the spiritual realm. One of the most iconic examples of a torii is at the Itsukushima Shrine, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shintoism, the traditional religion of Japan, recognizes spirits known as kami, which can be associated with various elements of nature, including geographical features and shrines. These torii gates are an important expression of Shinto beliefs and are integral to the sacred architecture of Japan.