Japan may be known as a pioneer in technology and pop fashion but when it comes to housing, the country uses much simplicity unlike what is commonly seen in the western word these days. While there may be a lot of modern homes around Japan today, the traditional ones remain and are well maintained.
In a traditional Japanese house also called minka or kominka, space harmony is of utmost importance. And this is often achieved through the use of a very simple and straightforward architectural design. This means straight lines, less furniture and decors, sometimes no chairs or even beds. In some homes, a small ikebana arrangement or a simple decoration may be added.
Japanese homes built the traditional style are of two types. They are the town houses or machiya and the farmhouses or noka. [Read more…]