A masugata is a double, right-angle turn built into a street for defensive reasons. The turns usually ran between stone or palisade fortifications, giving defenders a clear opportunity to slaughter an advancing enemy who would be forced to slow down as they negotiated the obstruction. Because of the fortifications, masugata also prevented the enemy from seeing the way ahead and anticipating their next move. Masugata were common features of castle towns and post-towns along the old highways like the Nakasendo.
