Karamon
The is a type of gate seen in Japanese architecture. It is characterized by the usage of "karahafu", an undulating bargeboard peculiar to Japan. "Karamon" are often used at the entrances of Japanese castles, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, and have historically been a symbol of authority. History. Although "kara" (唐) can be translated as meaning "China" or "Tang", this type of roof with undulating bargeboards first appeared in Japan during the late Heian period. It was named thus because the word "kara" was associated by the Japanese with any type of ornate architecture regardless of origin. The "karahafu  developed during the Heian period and is shown in picture scrolls to decorate gates, corridors, and palanquins. The oldest existing karahafu" is found at Hōryū-ji temple. Initially, the "karahafu" was used only in temples and aristocratic gateways, but starting from the beginning of the Azuchi–Momoyama period, it became an important architectural element in the construction of a "daimyō"s mansions and castles. The "karamon" entrance was reserved for the "shōgun" during his "onari" visits to the retainer, or for the reception of the emperor at shogunate establishments. A structure associated with these social connections naturally imparted special meaning. "Karamon  would later become a means to proclaim the prestige of a building and functioned as a symbol of both religious and secular architecture. In the Tokugawa shogunate, the karamon" gates were a powerful symbol of authority reflected in architecture. Variations. Mukaikaramon. "Mukaikaramon" (向唐門) is the most common form of "karamon", and features two "karahafu" at the front and back of the gate. This type of gate may incorporate a "karahafu" in the middle of the roof, or the entire gable itself may be a curved structure. Hirakaramon. "Hirakaramon" (平唐門) are distinguished with two "karahafu" on the left and right sides  of the gate. This type of gate was originally used at palaces, and was once called "miyukimon" (御幸門). Karayotsuashimon. "Karayotsuashimon" (唐四脚門, "Four-legged gate") is an ornate style of "karamon" that features four undulating gables on all sides of the gate. A good example of this type of gate can be found at Nikkō Tōshō-gū.