Keywords
Architecture
Castles
A type of defensive gateway barrier *umadashi 馬出, consisting of an earthen embankment *doi 土居, or a wall built in a square shape in front of a main castle gate *koguchi 虎口. The barrier served to protect the gate from enemy attack and to enhance the safety of entering and departing castle forces. It was found in medieval castles built by the Gohōjō 後北条 clan and in many castles of the early modern period (17th-19th century).