Going through three torii gates, on the north side you will find the stately Romon Gate (a two-storied gate). This huge gate was built in the style of the Momoyama Period, and on both sides there are Zuishin statues (originally official warrior-guardians that accompanied the nobles). On the front of the structure, there is a plaque with the inscription "Master Fugetsu, Founder of Learning and Poetry," in praise of Minister Michizane. Furthermore, near the Romon Gate there is a stone monument inscribed "The site of the Kitano Ocha-no-Yu" and close by is the Taiko Well. It is said that this well was used to bring water to the Kitano Ocha-no-Yu, a famous tea ceremony held on the grounds of Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine at Toyotomi Hideyoshi's official residence, (which also served as a governmental office), when the shrine was opened in commemoration of his attack on Kyushu on October 1, 1587. Many famous tea masters attended the gathering, including Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), to make tea for guests from all over the nation.