Changes

The next gate after the Zuisenmon is the Rôkokumon, or "Water Clock Gate", the final stone gate, which leads to a small plaza where a replica of the famous [[Bridge of Nations Bell]] is today kept inside a small structure called the Tomoya. The Rôkokumon, constructed in the 15th century, was as far as aristocrats came in their palanquins; in respect to the king, they would alight here. As a result, the gate is also known as ''Kagoise ujô'', or "gate where palanquins are placed/left."<ref>Plaque at Rôkokumon.</ref> A tank of water was held in the wooden structure atop the gate; as water leaked out, guards charged with watching the water level determined the time and communicated it by beating a ''[[taiko]]'' drum; guards in the nearby Uekimon would then transmit the message further by ringing a bronze bell<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Rôkokumon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. A sundial was installed nearby in 1739, and gradually came to replace the water clock<ref>"Shisetsu annai: hieidai." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

The next gate after the Zuisenmon is the Rôkokumon, or "Water Clock Gate", the final stone gate, which leads to a small plaza where a replica of the famous [[Bridge of Nations Bell]] is today kept inside a small structure called the Tomoya. The Rôkokumon, constructed in the 15th century, was as far as aristocrats came in their palanquins; in respect to the king, they would alight here. As a result, the gate is also known as ''Kagoise ujô'', or "gate where palanquins are placed/left."<ref>Plaque at Rôkokumon.</ref> A tank of water was held in the wooden structure atop the gate; as water leaked out, guards charged with watching the water level determined the time and communicated it by beating a ''[[taiko]]'' drum; guards in the nearby Uekimon would then transmit the message further by ringing a bronze bell<ref>"Shisetsu annai: Rôkokumon." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>. A sundial was installed nearby in 1739, and gradually came to replace the water clock<ref>"Shisetsu annai: hieidai." Shuri Castle Park Official Website.</ref>.

A gate known as the ''Kobikimon'' 木曵門 was traditionally sealed off by a pile of stones, and opened only when bringing lumber or other materials into the castle for repair or reconstruction efforts.<ref name=shuriqa/>

A gate known as the Kobikimon 木曵門 located near the Kankaimon was traditionally sealed off by a pile of stones, and opened only when bringing lumber or other materials into the castle for repair or reconstruction efforts.<ref name=shuriqa/>

===Shicha-nu-Unâ===

===Shicha-nu-Unâ===