Japanese Architecture

• Most traditional Japanese buildings were built out of wood, but a series of changed took place throughout time that changed the way architectures built their heritage. In the beginning, Asian houses were inspired by their natural surroundings. 

• The first houses to be built were done so by people who were mostly hunters, this period is called Jomon Period. These houses were usually make of straw, much like the African huts, although the floor of these houses were somewhat hollow.

• Shrines were then built to practice their Buddhists religion. Throughout the ages the shrines became more and more decorative. Thus began the shock in using red on buildings. 

• As it was in the West, castles were built to show lordship or one who is of a higher status than the other common men of Japan. The castles used to be built out of wood, but the few best that survived are made of ferro concrete. Their styles remind you of typical Japanese buildings, the ones you see in movies. Their structure is very similar to that of a Temple. With pointed and slanted roof tops. Windows seem to have little to none decoration at all. On the whole, Japanese castles and Japanese landscapes are a perfect painting (or woodblock print) in the waiting. 

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