Rōmon

A Rōmon is a traditional Japanese double-tiered gate often found at the entrances of temples, shrines, and historic sites. Typically made of wood and featuring a tiled roof, it serves both as a grand marker of the site's importance and as a functional barrier to control access. The structure often includes decorative elements like intricate carvings or symbols, reflecting cultural and spiritual significance. Rōmon gates symbolize a transition from the ordinary world to a sacred or special space, enhancing the site's aesthetic and ceremonial value while providing a sense of grandeur and respect.