Borogata literally means "lookout tower type." This is the older type of donjon built when the techniques for building stone foundations were less advanced. It is built on an irregular shaped stone foundation that is not perfectly square. An irimoya style gabled roof is used on the first or second floor to provide a roof for the lower levels of the donjon. A square shape is created in the middle of this roof on which the upper levels of the donjon are built. The upper levels are square and balanced. It should give the impression of a lookout tower mounted atop another building. Here are some representative Borogata type donjon. Aya Castle, in particular, exemplifies the look of a watchtower built atop another building.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
| Aya Castle | Himeji Castle | Inuyama Castle | Kumamoto Castle |