rodai 露台

1　An unroofed platform, a dais, or a projected veranda or balcony.
2　A nobleman's edifice in the Heian period capital.
3　Recreation hall, also called Jijūden 仁寿殿. Slatted veranda between the emperors quarters Shishinden 紫宸殿 and the banquet hall Shōkyōden 承香殿 of the Imperial Court. The rodai has an opening to the sky, giving it its name, mist platform. It served as a place for dancers to perform at the festival of new rice Toyo-no-akari-no-sechie 豊明の節会. It was also used for ball games, sumō 相撲 and archery. See *dan 壇.