noun
side of a moat; moat bank
Refers to the area alongside a moat, especially around castles or historical sites. Often used in place names.
堀端を散歩すると、昔の城の面影が感じられる。
Walking along the moat bank, you can feel the atmosphere of the old castle.
この辺りは堀端と呼ばれ、桜の名所として知られている。
This area is called Horibata and is known as a famous cherry blossom spot.
堀 means 'moat' or 'canal' itself, while 堀端 specifically refers to the side or bank of a moat.
Compound of 堀 (hori, 'moat') and 端 (hata, 'edge, side'). The reading ほりばた is a rendaku form of はた.