Kyoto Nijo Castle Karamon gate

The Japanese gates covered with the undulating roof called karahafu, known as karamon gates, have been used in castles, palaces, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples for more than 400 years.

Lavishly decorated with sculptures, these gates were considered symbols of authority during the Tokugawa shogunate. One of the most beautiful karamon gates is the one at the entrance of the Ninomaru palace, at the Nijo castle in Kyoto.