Introduction to Ancient Japanese Architecture

Ancient Japanese architecture refers to the architecture of Japan before the Meiji Restoration. The mild climate and abundant rainfall in most parts of Japan made timber abundant, and the wooden frame with straw roof was the traditional form of Japanese architecture. Houses were built in an open layout with elevated floors and deep eaves. The rooms are small and delicate, and the columns, beams and wall panels are unpainted. The indoor wooden floor is covered with a mat, usually made of grass, known as the "stack" (Chinese phonetic translation of "tatami"), on which sitting, lying and living are located. In ancient Japan, it was customary to live in one house for one generation and build a new house for the next generation, and before the reign of Empress Jotunori (690-697), the royal family camped in a new palace every dynasty.