Sakuradamon Gate
Sakuradamon Gate, completed in around 1620, is the largest remaining gate of Edo Castle, a type of defense gate referred to as masugata, meaning “square-shaped.”
Sakuradamon Gate comprises two gates to create a square-shaped (masugata) defense gate. Behind a small, strong koraimon gate is a larger yaguramon gate. They stand at right angles to each other, creating an enclosed space. It forces intruders to turn at the right angle once inside, slowing them down and making them vulnerable to attack. Archers and other soldiers would have occupied the yaguramon gate, firing arrows and dropping rocks on any intruders breaching the koraimon gate.
Sakuradamon Gate is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.