wicket gate; wooden door
A small wooden gate or door, often set into a larger gate or fence. Historically common at castle gates and traditional houses.
城の木戸をくぐって中に入った。
We passed through the castle's wicket gate and went inside.
I opened the garden's wicket gate early in the morning.
庭へ出る木戸がきしむ。
The wooden door leading to the garden creaks.
entrance to an entertainment venue
Specifically refers to the entrance gate of a sumo arena, theater, or similar traditional entertainment venue. Often used in the context of ticket collection or admission.
相撲の木戸で切符を買った。
I bought a ticket at the sumo entrance.
観客は木戸から入って席に着いた。
The spectators entered through the gate and took their seats.
Please close the gate once it gets dark.
The sumo wrestlers passed through the gate on their way to the ring.
入口 is the generic word for any entrance, while 木戸 specifically names the traditional gate used to admit spectators at sumo halls and theaters.
扉 refers to a door in general, especially a hinged one, whereas 木戸 emphasizes wooden construction and a gate-like, often outdoor function.
garden gate
gatekeeper; doorman
gate money; admission fee
back door
free pass; unrestricted access
Compound of 木 (ki, 'wood') and 戸 (to, 'door'), with rendaku voicing to ど. Literally 'wooden door'.