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When visiting a castle, the first gate you pass through is the otemon. Its grand appearance represents the castle’s dignity and prestige. However, this gate had another role: serving as the front line of defense against enemies.
This article explains the definition and etymology of otemon, how it worked together with masugata enclosures and yaguramon tower gates to form a defensive system, and introduces surviving otemon you can visit today.
An otemon is the main gate of a castle. It was built as the highest-ranking entrance leading to the main compounds such as the honmaru (main bailey) and ninomaru (secondary bailey).
The word otemon was originally written as “otemon” using characters meaning “pursuit gate.” The term “ote” referred to the direction from which enemies would be cornered.
During castle sieges, defenders would send troops out through the rear gate (karamete-mon) and corner enemies at the front gate (otemon) to attack them. In other words, the otemon was a place designed to draw enemies to the front and concentrate combat there.
Even today, Kochi Castle and Yamato-Koriyama Castle retain the original “pursuit gate” characters, preserving this tactical meaning.
The otemon served two contrasting purposes.
The otemon was the official entrance to the castle, where visitors and envoys were received. It was also a symbol of the lord’s authority, often featuring an imposing appearance and beautiful decorations.
During the Edo period, when wars had ceased, the otemon increasingly became a symbol of authority and prestige.
At the same time, the otemon was the most important defensive position for protecting the castle. If enemies attacked, they had to break through this main gate first.
For this reason, various defensive mechanisms were installed around the otemon. Structures such as masugata enclosures, yaguramon tower gates, and bridges were combined to form a defensive system centered on the otemon.
Various structures were placed around the otemon to prevent enemy intrusion.
The otemon typically consisted of the following types of gates:
| Gate Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Yaguramon (Tower Gate) | A two - story gate with a turret on top. Samurai and archers could be stationed there, making it the highest - ranking gate type. |
| Koraimon (Korean - style Gate) | A simple gate with a small gabled roof. Often placed on the outer side of the masugata enclosure. |
At many castles, the otemon was composed of a koraimon on the outside and a yaguramon on the inside.
A masugata is a square space enclosed by stone walls or earthen walls on all four sides. Enemies passing through the otemon would enter this masugata enclosure.
Once inside the masugata, enemies could not proceed straight ahead. They had to turn 90 degrees to reach the next gate, during which time they would be attacked from the surrounding stone walls and turrets. This was a clever mechanism designed to restrict enemy movement and concentrate firepower on them.
Bridges were often built in front of the otemon to cross the moat. By surrounding the castle with moats and making the bridge the only passage, the enemy’s approach route was limited.
Bridges were built either from earth (dobashi) or stone (ishibashi). Earthen bridges were widely used because they were inexpensive and easy to construct. Stone bridges were more durable and resistant to enemy attacks.
Osaka Castle still retains its otemon-centered defense system. Walking through it allows you to experience how it worked.
First, you cross a bridge spanning the moat to reach the otemon.
After crossing the bridge, the otemon (koraimon) comes into view.
Passing through the otemon, you immediately enter the masugata. Surrounded by stone walls, you cannot proceed straight ahead.
Beyond the masugata stands the imposing yaguramon. Only after passing through this gate can you finally enter the castle grounds.
This sequence of bridge → koraimon → masugata → yaguramon created multiple layers of defense to stop enemy intrusions.
The development of the otemon is closely linked to the history of Japanese castles.
During the Sengoku period (Warring States era), battles became frequent and castle defenses became a priority. From this period onward, the otemon developed as an important structure to prevent enemy intrusion.
From the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the early Edo period, fully developed otemon with stone walls and masugata entrances were completed. The otemon of castles built during this era became the prototype for what we now picture as “Japanese castle gates.”
During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate unified the country, and castle construction flourished. In this era of peace, the otemon took on an increasingly important role as a symbol of the lord’s authority, beyond just its defensive function.
After the Meiji Restoration, many castles were demolished due to the castle abolishment order, and many otemon were lost. However, in recent years, castle preservation and restoration efforts have increased, and more castles now have visible otemon.
Some castles still retain their original otemon gates. When visiting castles, be sure to pay attention to the otemon as well.
| Castle Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Osaka Castle | Impressive combination of masugata and yaguramon. Experience the defense system firsthand. |
| Himeji Castle | Features complex masugata koguchi entrances. UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| Kochi Castle | Retains the original "pursuit gate" characters. Important Cultural Property. |
| Nijo Castle | The Higashi Otemon features gorgeous decorations. |
| Edo Castle | The otemon survives as the entrance to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. |
The otemon served as the castle’s “face,” welcoming visitors as the main gate, while also functioning as the “front line” against enemies. As the original “pursuit gate” characters suggest, there was a tactical intention to draw enemies to the front and concentrate combat there.
The true value of an otemon was demonstrated through its combination with other structures such as masugata enclosures, yaguramon tower gates, koraimon gates, and bridges. Viewing it not as a standalone structure but as part of the entire defensive system brings the image of the historical castle into sharper focus.
When visiting castles, look beyond the main tower and pay attention to the otemon. You will discover the clever defensive mechanisms hidden behind the imposing gate.
