The climate and weather of winter differs across Japan. Depending on the geometry and the latitude of where you are, some prefectures have snow, whereas others are quite warm. For example, Hokkaido prefecture, which is the largest prefecture and located very close to Russia, experiences heavy snow during the winter. The snow does not melt [...]
Shirakawa-Go, a small village in Gifu prefecture, was designated as a World Heritage in 1995 for its beautiful scenery and historical architecture. Its most significant feature is the roofs of the houses. The rooftop looks like two hands meeting at the fingertips, and are therefore called Gasshou, which literally means praying hands. The English term [...]
The ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn where you can enjoy natural hot springs, delicious Japanese food, and beautiful traditional housing. Most ryokans are located near mountains or by the sea, and are a great way to escape the busy city life. A "Ryokan" Ryokans have hot spring baths called onsen for guests [...]
In the room of a Japanese style house you are not allowed to wear shoes. Slippers are used inside the house. Since you are not wearing shoes, so you are free to stand, sit and lie there. But when you commune, have a meal or take part in a ceremony in the room, you must [...]
In a traditional Japanese house, people don’t sit on chairs or sleep on beds. They sit and sleep on the floor using cushions and futon bedding. The way the Japanese room is designed makes this possible. It evolved over time as an extension of the way people live and as an expression of the native [...]
The history of Traditional Japanese houses is very affluent. In old times, people of Japan typically lived in free standing houses, which are known as Minka. In cities they lived in Machiya or in row houses which are called Nagaya. These kind of houses can be seen in many places of Japan. Kyoto is very [...]
Japanese bathhouses have a long tradition starting out with mixed bathing in the many hot springs to be found in Japan and later in the public bathhouse. The natural hot springs (onsen) and bathhouses (ofuro) are very popular in Japan. Japanese people always keep the toilet and the bathroom neat and clean. They keep it [...]
The toilet and the bathroom in a traditional Japanese house are separated; it’s unlike in the western countries. A typical Japanese style toilet is very different from a western style toilet. When entering the toilet, one changes out his/her house shoes into specific toilet shoes. Then one proceeds to squat in order to use the [...]
Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The beauty is defined by its beautiful nature and environment. Japanese architecture is a big part in addition to increase the beauty of Japan. From the ancient time, housing has been established with some exceptional design which made it very unique. Japan has both [...]
Oshiire: In the room of a traditional Japanese house there is a small section which is used for storage. It is called Oshiire. It is a closet for storing the bedding during the day. The Oshiire is used for storing futon (sleeping mattresses), makura (pillows), blankets and sheets. Zabuton (sitting cushions) are also stored there. [...]