Keywords
Architecture
Gates
A unique gate at Himeji-jō 姫路城 'Nu'-no-mon 'ぬ'の門 (1601-10), Hyōgo Prefecture. It is tall and has a double story and double roof garret on top. Its name is derived from the application of black iron over the entire surface of the gate doors which are made of lattice attached to heavy planks. Machicolations *ishi-otoshi 石落 are provided on the upper part and also a place for guards. It is the front gate of the west enclosure of the main castle.