Third Floor
The low ceiling of the third floor is indicative of its original purpose as an attic when the castle was originally built. The undulating gables (karahafu) on the north and south sides were later additions and are attributed to Naruse Masanari (1567–1625) after he took possession of the castle. The gables with their high, bow-shaped center arches are a striking feature of the castle’s exterior. The small rooms under these arches are known as the gable chambers (karahafu no ma).
The staircase leading to the third floor is the steepest in the castle, with an incline of 50 degrees. It is believed to have been built in this way so that defenders of the castle could repulse enemy intruders back down the stairs.