Hirakawamon Gate

Hirakawamon Gate at the Imperial Palace grounds is one of the few surviving examples of the castle's defensive gate design. It uses a classic angled layout where two gates are set at right angles, forcing any intruder inside to turn sharply and exposing them to fire from defenders on all sides. A distinctive third gate, the Obikuruwamon, connects via a narrow rampart cutting across the moat to significantly reinforce this corner of the castle's defenses. This gate served ladies' maids and castle officials rather than the main public entrance. The adjacent Hirakawabori Moat remains well preserved and makes for a pleasant walk along the outer palace grounds.