Japanese traditional gates, Yagura-mon

The Japanese traditional architecture places a great deal of attention to the gates. Some are specific to certain constructions (temples, shrines, castles, residences), while others are common to many different buildings.

One of the most interesting gates, used only for castles, is the Yagura-mon, like the one in this photo from the Hiroshima Castle. This kind of gate features a yagura tower built on top and it is used for the castle's main entrances. Besides the great aesthetic value, the tower improves the gate's overall resistance and it makes it a valuable defensive point...