also: はしがくし
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.
A pent roof is built over the stairs of the shrine.
In shinden-zukuri buildings, the stair canopy was one of the elements that indicated status.
Standard kanji spelling for this architectural term.
Alternate reading はしがくし, less common but recorded.
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.