Inuyama Castle Lord’s Room
One of the rooms is called the jodan no ma, which takes its name from its raised floor (jodan) and was used by the lord of the castle. This feature is found in castles and palaces and indicates that the space is reserved for the highest-ranking individual. Behind the alcove (tokonoma) in this room is an addition called a mushagakushi, literally “warrior hideout,” where samurai could conceal themselves and be ready to offer protection to their lord from visitors with malicious intentions. The decorative board and batten ceiling further marks this area as a place used by the lord of the castle.