The Otemon is one of the most important architectural structures found in Japanese castles and temples.
Let’s take a closer look at the roles and architectural styles of the Otemon.
The primary role of the Otemon is to serve as the formal entrance to the building or grounds. It acts as the main gate, welcoming visitors and worshippers, and is considered the “face of the castle”.
Such Otemon gates often have a grand appearance, with their architectural style and design incorporating aesthetic elements. They may also carry historical significance or religious connotations.
On the other hand, the Otemon is originally called the Otemon. Oute means the direction in which the enemy is driven, with the purpose of concentrating the battle in one place by driving the enemy to the front during a siege.
Due to this role, many Otemon gates have a masugata constructed in front of them. This, along with the Otemon, serves to slow down the enemy’s attack.
Thus, the Otemon, while being the main gate located at the front of the castle, was also an important offensive strategy in terms of defense.
Himeji Castle Otemon
The architectural style of the Otemon varies by location and era.
Throughout Japan’s history, various architectural styles from different periods have been adopted.
For example, during the Heian period, the architectural style seen in the gates of Heian-kyo was used, while during the Sengoku period, there were also gates that were fortified in preparation for battles.
The Otemon is typically constructed with a heavy wooden structure and often has a tiled roof. Decorative carvings and colorings are also seen, featuring beautiful designs.
Famous examples of Otemon include the large torii gate of Heian Shrine in Kyoto, the Romon Gate of Futaarayama Shrine at Nikko Toshogu, and the Otemon of Osaka Castle. These gates are historically significant and also known as tourist attractions.
Osaka Castle Otemon
In the case of temples, the Otemon holds an important symbolic position in Buddhist temples and may contain symbolic elements related to Buddhist teachings and beliefs. Sculptures or paintings related to Buddhist teachings or historical events may also be depicted.
The Otemon is an architectural structure that plays a vital role in Japanese architectural culture and history, with its design and function varying by era and region. When visiting, one can take an interest not only in the structure itself but also in its historical and cultural background.
The structure of the Otemon can be broadly divided into the following three categories:
A Yagura-mon is a gate with a turret built above it. Warriors and archers were stationed in the turret for the defense of the castle. The Yagura-mon was also the main gate of the castle and a symbol of the lord’s authority.
The structure of the Yagura-mon can be broadly divided into the following three types:
A Masugata is a structural element built with stone walls or fences in front of and behind the gate to prevent enemies from directly entering the castle. The Masugata was effective in preventing enemy invasion as they had to overcome multiple obstacles before reaching the castle gate.
The structure of the Masugata can be broadly divided into the following two types:
Many castles have a bridge leading to the Otemon. By digging a moat around the castle, drawing water, and placing a bridge to the Otemon, the role is to limit the route for enemies to attack the main keep.
Therefore, the bridge leading to the Otemon becomes a pathway connecting the outside and inside of the castle, but there are also different types of bridges such as earthen bridges and stone bridges.
Earthen bridges are “bridges built with earth”, but they were adopted in many castles because they have lower construction costs and are easier to build compared to stone bridges.
Stone bridges are “bridges built with stone”. They have the advantage of being more durable and resistant to enemy attacks compared to earthen bridges.
The defensive strategies of the castle centered around the Otemon and Otemon, including the “Yagura-mon”, “Masugata”, and “Bridge” explained so far, can be seen at Osaka Castle.
Bridge leading to the Otemon
Masugata immediately after passing through the Otemon
And beyond the Masugata is the Yagura-mon.
The history of the Otemon is closely related to the history of Japanese castles.
Castles first appeared in Japan during the Heian period. The castles of this time were surrounded by simple earthworks and moats, and the Otemon was not a particularly important structure.
The Otemon began to be considered important when entering the Sengoku period. The Sengoku period was a time of frequent battles, and the defensive capabilities of castles became emphasized. Therefore, the Otemon also developed as an important structure to prevent enemy invasion.
During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate progressed with national unification, and castle construction was actively carried out. The castles of this time, including the Otemon, became more luxurious and magnificent.
After the Meiji Restoration, as castles were also dismantled under the Haijōrei (Abandoned Castle Decree), many Otemon were lost. However, in recent years, movements to preserve and restore castles have become active, and there are an increasing number of castles where the appearance of the Otemon can be seen.
The Otemon was not only a symbol of the lord’s authority but also a crucial element that influenced the exterior appearance of the castle. At the same time, it played an important role in the defense of the castle.
Moreover, the design of the Otemon reflects the architectural styles and aesthetic sensibilities of each era and has become a valuable cultural heritage.
There are many existing Otemon in Japan. Each of these Otemon is a historically and culturally valuable structure that conveys the appeal of the castle to the present day.
Kochi Castle Otemon
