Hidden Himeji: Drainage Tiles
In a country with frequent, heavy rainfall, keeping wooden structures dry and safe from rot requires ingenuity. These tiles are designed to divert rainwater as far away from the sides of the building as possible. Grooves are cut into the lower edge near the tip, and the tiles are pointed and protrude slightly, creating narrow jets of water that carry the water away from the walls. The design is thought to have been introduced to Japan from Korea in ancient times.