"Japanese architecture has been typified by wooden structures, elevated slightly off the ground, with tiled or thatched roofs."
Characterized by an emphasis on simplicity, clean lines, and the use of natural materials.
Shinden-zukuri: A style of architecture used in the Heian period (794-1185) characterized by a large central building surrounded by smaller buildings connected by covered walkways.
Wayō: A term used to describe the synthesis of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles seen in the Nara period (710-794) and the Heian period.
Azekura-zukuri: A type of shrine architecture characterized by the use of wooden logs with bark still attached, giving the building a rough, rustic appearance.
Zen temples: A type of temple architecture that emphasizes simplicity, minimalism, and directness, often with open-air courtyards, covered walkways, and rock gardens.
Edo period architecture: The architecture of the Edo period (1603-1868) was marked by the development of new urban spaces and the construction of buildings for everyday life, including merchant houses, theaters, and onsen (hot springs) resorts.
Teahouse architecture: The architecture of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, characterized by small, simple spaces with artful details and connections to nature.
Imperial Palace architecture: The architecture of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto, which dates back to the 8th century, characterized by the use of timber, tile, and white plaster.
Jōmon period architecture: The architecture of the Jōmon period (14,000 BC-300 BC) is characterized by the use of earthenware and thatched roofs in pit dwellings and raised-floor dwellings.
Heian period architecture: The architecture of the Heian period (794-1185) was marked by an emphasis on symmetry, spaciousness, and elegance, as seen in the design of aristocratic residences and temples.
Machiya architecture: A type of traditional Japanese townhouse architecture that emerged in the Edo period characterized by a narrow, deep layout and a unified exterior design for the entire block.
Shinden-zukuri: The oldest style derived from traditional Japanese residential architecture with emphasis on the Northern courtyard.
Wayo: A combination of Chinese and Japanese architectural styles featuring wooden pillars and a tiled roof.
Azuchi-Momoyama: A period of architectural style incorporating luxurious materials such as gold and screens with lavish use of decoration.
Muromachi: Hipped roofs and curved lines characterized Muromachi period architecture.
Taisho: A mix of Japanese and western styles featuring large windows, verandas and wooden trimmings.
Shin-Nihon: Post-World War II modern Japanese architecture style showcasing modern technological advances.
Heian: Dark and closed architecture mainly characterized by thick walls and pillars.
Edo: Popular during the Edo period featuring a low-voltage natural finish of the building, an overhanging roof to provide shade, and white plaster walls embellished with timberwork.
Meiji: This period witnessed the westernization of Japanese architecture giving rise to iron and steel structures, inspired by western technology.
Gassho-Zukuri: Common in central Japan these triangular thatched roof structures are known for their strong wooden frames that enable them to withstand heavy snowfall.
Sukiya-zukuri: Tea-house build in seventeenth century style emphasizing the beauty of simplicity and nature's influence.
Hiroma-zukuri: A common architectural style in temples and palaces of the eighteenth century, providing a spacious hall, with a high ceiling, and pillar arrangements to support the roof.
Shoin-zukuri: The Shoin-Zukuri style characterized by alcove, tatami, and desk used in living quarters.
Kenzo Tange: A period of contemporary architectural design in Japan with focus on empowering urbanization and modernization.
"Sliding doors (fusuma) and other traditional partitions were used in place of walls, allowing the internal configuration of a space to be customized for different occasions."
"People usually sat on cushions or otherwise on the floor, traditionally; chairs and high tables were not widely used until the 20th century."
"Since the 19th century, however, Japan has incorporated much of Western, modern, and post-modern architecture into construction and design."
"The earliest Japanese architecture was seen in prehistoric times in simple pit-houses and stores adapted to the needs of a hunter-gatherer population."
"The introduction of Buddhism in Japan during the sixth century was a catalyst for large-scale temple building using complicated techniques in wood."
"Influence from the Chinese Sui and Tang dynasties led to the foundation of the first permanent capital in Nara."
"The shinden-zukuri style... showed the distinct uniqueness of Japanese architecture and permanently determined the characteristics of later Japanese architecture."
"As the samurai class gained power in the Kamakura period, the shinden-zukuri style changed, and in the Muromachi period, the shoin-zukuri style appeared."
"The introduction of the tea ceremony emphasised simplicity and modest design."
"In the Azuchi–Momoyama period, sukiya-zukuri style villas appeared under the influence of a tea house called chashitsu."
"During the Meiji Restoration, the history of Japanese architecture was radically changed."
"Japan underwent a period of intense Westernization in order to compete with other developed countries."
"Architects returning from study with Western architects introduced the International Style of modernism into Japan, like Kenzo Tange."
"The first was the Kami and Buddhas Separation Act of 1868, which formally separated Buddhism from Shinto and Buddhist temples from Shinto shrines."
"It was applied to ryōtei (Japanese-style restaurants) and chashitsu, and later it was also applied to residences."
"It was not until after the Second World War that Japanese architects made an impression on the international scene."
"Architects like Kenzo Tange and then with theoretical movements, like Metabolism."
"Its characteristics were that sliding doors called fusuma and paper windows called shōji were fully adopted, and tatami mats were laid all over the room."
"Japan is today a leader in cutting-edge architectural design and technology."