Kanazawa Castle Park

Gables

A gable is one of the most important factors in terms of the beauty of a castle. In Japan, the gable designs originated from Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. "Irimoya Hafu" is a gable design on the main roof, and "Kara hafu" is one on a "dashi" window. Under these gables, a gorgeous decoration called "gegyo" is attached. In the Edo period, a gable was a symbol of power in feudalism. Especially at Kanazawa Castle, which doesn't have a donjon (a prominent watch tower displaying the lords family crest), the gable on Hishi Yagura had to look dignified and glorious to keep the name of the lord honorable.