mekakushibei 目隠塀

Also mikakushibei 見隠塀. From mekakushi or mikakushi. Lit. "fence hidden from the eyes or hidden from sight." A fence with slats at eye level to prevent a clear view into a garden. The lower part of the fence may be left open or may have widely spaced horizontal lath or bamboo. In urban areas, where houses are closely spaced, windows have lath attached to the frame on exterior walls to help retain privacy. These windows are also called mekakushi 目隠 or mekakushimado 目隠窓. The lath slats or boards used are called mekakushi-ita 目隠板.