Japanese architecture has been influenced by Buddhism, China, and the climate. Traditional styles use wood construction, tatami mat floors, sliding doors, and feature wooden post-and-beam structures with tiled or thatched roofs. Over time, architectural styles evolved from small prehistoric structures to include Buddhist temple designs in the Asuka period incorporating pagodas and worship halls. Defensive castles emerged in the Azuchi-Momoyama period while the Edo period saw the development of machya townhouses. Modern architecture saw increasing Western influence and the use of new technologies and materials following World War 2.
Japanese architecture has been influenced by Buddhism, China, and the climate. Traditional styles use wood construction, tatami mat floors, sliding doors, and feature wooden post-and-beam structures with tiled or thatched roofs. Over time, architectural styles evolved from small prehistoric structures to include Buddhist temple designs in the Asuka period incorporating pagodas and worship halls. Defensive castles emerged in the Azuchi-Momoyama period while the Edo period saw the development of machya townhouses. Modern architecture saw increasing Western influence and the use of new technologies and materials following World War 2.