Kitahanebashimon Gate (Northern Drawbridge Gate), Tokyo

During the Edo period, a bridge currently leading from Kitanomaru Park to this gate on the north side of the Tokyo Imperial Palace used to be a drawbridge. Subsequently, it gave the name to the Kitahanebashimon (literally "Northern Drawbridge Gate") which forms part of the enceinte surrounding the inner part of the castle – Honmaru.

The gate is constructed as a Masugata (square gate) and has a double-storied gateway. It consists of two parts, both of which are single-section. The first, outer part of the gate, is dark gray with one canopy. The second, internal one, has three canopies, two of which have a decorative function. Back in the day, the gate's second level was used by defenders of the fortress.

The bridge over the moat is now fixed to the ground, but the metal clamps that used to draw it in ancient times are still attached to the gate's roof.

Tip:
The adjacent Kitanomaru Park houses several museums, including the Crafts Gallery, the Science Museum, the National Archives, and the Museum of Modern Art. If you're interested in samurai arts, the Nippon Budokan is a good place to stop by.