also: はしがくし
noun
pent roof over stairs; stair canopy
Architectural term for a small roof built over the steps of a shrine or a traditional aristocratic villa (寝殿造り). Often seen at the entrance (向拝) of shrine buildings. Rare in everyday conversation; primarily encountered in historical or architectural contexts.
神社の階段の上に階隠しが設けられている。
A pent roof is built over the stairs of the shrine.
寝殿造りの建物では、階隠しが格式を示す要素の一つだった。
In shinden-zukuri buildings, the stair canopy was one of the elements that indicated status.
Compound of 階 (hashi, 'stairs') and 隠し (kakushi, 'hiding'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term literally describes a roof that conceals or protects the stairs.