This floor has many pillars. This raised platform at the center was used as a storage room for weapons and foods. Under the platform, there used to be 16 wooden pillars supporting this heavy building.
These are called ‘stone drops.’Warriors dropped stones or shot guns from these holes to stop enemies from climbing up the stone walls.
This is a ‘warrior running passage. During a battle, samurai warriors were supposed to ran around this passage
The base of this tower (or keep) is not square, but has the shape similar to a spool. Please stand at a corner and have a look at the wall. It is incurved, isn’t it? The walls of this building were constructed along the arch of the stone walls.
In 1950-1955, during the second restoration, a part of the original wall was cut out and preserved. It is considered that the original wall was made at the time of the construction of this castle.
In 1903-1913, during the first restoration, the original wall was recoated. On the right side, the thin top coat of that time is also on display.
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A pair of Shachi is placed on the top ridge of the roof of old Japanese buildings. They are widely used in Japan as charms to protect buildings against fire.
Shachi is a Chinese mythical creature. It is believed that they extinguish a fire by spouting out water or bringing rain.
A male Shachi is placed on the south or east side and a female on the north or west side.