Gazing at this stone, can you imagine the Edo Castle of old? We stand before the trace of the Nakanomon Gate. It is also known as \u4e2d\u4e4b\u9580\u8de1 Stele. This stele marks a spot of great importance.
\u4e2d\u4e4b\u9580\u8de1 Stele stands as a reminder of the castle’s defenses. Passing through the Otemon Gate, one would go through three gates. On the left was the Hyakunin-banjo guard station. To the right was the \u4e2d\u4e4b\u9580\u8de1 Stele.
The Nakanomon Gate was integrated with the Ch雀mon Gate. Together they formed a large passage. This controlled access and egress. Along with guard stations, it played a key role. It was vital for protecting the main enclosure.
Look closely at the stonework of \u4e2d\u4e4b\u9580\u8de1 Stele. Notice the large stones. They weigh about 35 tons each. See how precisely they are stacked. There are almost no gaps. The height of each level is uniform. This is called “nunozumi”. It is a beautiful stone wall. While structurally weaker it was made to look beautiful.
In 1638, the original gate and stone wall were built. A major fire damaged much of Edo Castle in 1657. This was known as the Great Fire of Meireki. The gate was rebuilt by Hosokawa Tsunatoshi. He was the lord of the Kumamoto clan. In 1703, an earthquake toppled the stone wall. Ikeda Yoshimasa the lord of the Tottori clan repaired it.
The Nakanomon Stone Wall had a watariyagura above the gate. This was an elevated passage. To the left was a Byobu-tatami yagura. This was a folding screen storehouse. Next to the Ch雀mon Gate was a Shoin-demado. This was a study alcove. These features enhanced defense.
Between 2005 and 2007, the \u4e2d\u4e4b\u9580\u8de1 Stele underwent restoration. The original appearance of the stone wall was revived. Laser measurements created a 3D model of each stone. This allowed accurate reconstruction on a computer. Panels show the restoration process.
Guards secured the \u4e2d\u4e4b\u9580. These included armed guards and yoriki officers. The Ot番 guard station served as a record office. Beyond the \u4e2d\u4e4b\u9580 was a gentle slope. It turned right towards the Ch雀mon Gate. This led to the main enclosure.
The Nakanomon Gate no longer stands. However, the \u4e2d\u4e4b\u9580\u8de1 Stele marks its place. It reminds us of the Edo Castle’s history. It represents a time of shoguns and samurai. Feel the weight of history.