Keywords
Architecture
Castles
A side entrance to a castle. A small, inconspicuous entrance located on the side of a castle, in contrast with the main gate *ōtemon 大手門 and rear gate *karametemon 搦手門, located respectively at the front and rear of a castle. When enemy forces applied pressure on the front and rear gates, the castle garrison was able to slip out via the side entrance and counter attack.