しゃちほこ
しゃ
ち
ほ
こ
Meanings
1
shachihoko; mythical tiger-headed fish
usually written using kana alone
A mythical creature with a tiger's head and a fish's body, often used as a roof ornament on Japanese castles.
Shachihoko were placed on castle roofs as a charm against fire.
2
shachihoko roof ornament
usually written using kana alone
Specifically the roof ornament shaped like the mythical creature, believed to protect against fire by summoning rain.
The golden shachihoko of Nagoya Castle are famous.