tower; tall building; belvedere
Often used as a suffix in building names, e.g., 展望楼 (observation tower). Can refer to any tall, multi-storied structure.
I looked down at the town from the castle tower.
Specifically a tower used for observation or defense, such as a castle turret or a watchtower.
Archaic euphemism for a brothel, derived from the multi-storied structure of such establishments in the Edo period.
He climbed up the observation tower and looked out at the view.
This hotel has an observation tower.
The fire lookout tower bell rang to alert of a fire.
In the Edo period, many brothels lined the streets of Yoshiwara.
The king built a tall tower atop the castle.
櫓 specifically denotes a wooden, often temporary watchtower or turret, whereas 楼 can refer to a more permanent stone or brick tower-like structure.
Standard modern kanji form.
Outdated kanji form; not used in modern Japanese.
From Middle Chinese 樓 (ləu). The character originally depicted a multi-storied building. The archaic 'brothel' sense developed in Japanese from the association with tall, ornate buildings in pleasure quarters.
brothel
brothel
tall building; multi-storey building
watchtower; observation tower; lookout
upper floor; top of a tall building; balcony
owner of a brothel or restaurant