Suzushiro
Kumamoto castle 09
A closer view of Uto-Yagura.
Note patterns on tiles of edge of the roof was called "Kamon" in Japanese means a family crest.
The Japanese words "Ka" and "mon" mean "family" and "crest", respectively.
You may see the 2 patterns of Kamon in this photo.
The first of crest on the lower roof is called "Tomoe-mon" crest. It was used as a charm against fires by Kiyomasa Kato, the first feudal load of the castle.
Another one on the roof of a gable is called "Kikyo-mon" crest ("Kikyou" is "a Chinese bellflower").
Kumamoto castle 09
A closer view of Uto-Yagura.
Note patterns on tiles of edge of the roof was called "Kamon" in Japanese means a family crest.
The Japanese words "Ka" and "mon" mean "family" and "crest", respectively.
You may see the 2 patterns of Kamon in this photo.
The first of crest on the lower roof is called "Tomoe-mon" crest. It was used as a charm against fires by Kiyomasa Kato, the first feudal load of the castle.
Another one on the roof of a gable is called "Kikyo-mon" crest ("Kikyou" is "a Chinese bellflower").