TSU -- The roof of a Western-style church near the Ise Jingu shinto shrine in Mie Prefecture is adorned with "onigawara" ridge-end tiles, which often have a gargoyle relief, but with a cross motif ...
The dark-grey, clay roofing on shrines, temples, and Machiya townhouses is buffed and smoked to boost durability, water resistance, and luster. Craftsmen and roofers uphold the traditional techniques.