ridge-end tile with a shachihoko figure
A decorative roof tile shaped like a mythical shachihoko (dolphin-like creature), typically found on Japanese castles and traditional buildings.
See also: しゃちほこ
Golden shachihoko tiles adorn the main keep of Nagoya Castle.
Compound of 鯱 (shachihoko, a mythical dolphin-like creature) and 瓦 (kawara, roof tile).