What is yagura?

Yagura is a tower structure in Japanese architecture, commonly found in castle compounds or Shinto shrines. It is typically cylindrical or polygonal in shape and has a steep, sloping roof known as an irimoya. Yagura towers were used for defensive and strategic purposes, serving as lookout points or as defensive positions in times of conflict. Yagura towers were also important in the practice of yamabushi, a form of mountain asceticism in Shugendo, where they were used as meditation sites. The most famous yagura tower is the five-story pagoda at Horyu-ji temple, which dates back to the 7th century. Today, yagura towers are still used in traditional festivals and ceremonies.