Traditional Japanese houses (Minka)

Traditional Japanese houses, called Minka, are wooden, vernacular dwellings designed for natural harmony and adaptability. Typically featuring tiled or thatched roofs with wide eaves, they incorporate raised floors for ventilation and earthquake resilience. Interiors often include sliding shoji screens, tatami mat flooring, and minimalistic décor to create flexible living spaces. Minka emphasize harmony with nature, using natural materials like wood and paper, and are built to suit local climates and lifestyles. They reflect Japan’s cultural values of simplicity, craftsmanship, and connection to the changing seasons, blending functionality with aesthetic elegance.