-
100
Prehistoric Period-4000 BC
-
553
The Asuka Period-552 CE
Some of the earliest Buddhist structures still exist today and are actually the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world. The structures served as the private Temple of Crown Prince Shotoku. They are perfect examples of early Japanese Architecture. They were built in the early 7th century and consist of 41 seperate buildings. -
Jan 1, 1185
Kamakura Period- 1185 CE
When Japanese Political power was run by Samuri, the architectural styles changed from big and elegant to simple and sturdy. Many houses were just plain, symmetrical, and contained trenches. -
Jan 1, 1573
Azuchi-Momoyama period-1573 CE
This time period brought about a completely different form of architecture. In response to a militaristic time, the castle, a defensive structure, was built to keep out intruders or attackers. -
Edo Period- 1603 CE
-
Meiji Period-1868 CE
When Emperor Meiji took charge, new and different forms of culture moved into Japan. European influences slowly managed to work their way to architecture. Government buildings and Public areas took on a more modern twist. -
Modern Japanese Architecture-1945 to present
Change in technology greatly affected the architecture. After World War II a lot of Japan had to be rebuilt, but the new Japan looked much different than old Japan. -Western building techniques, materials, and styles were brought to the cities of Japan. Materials such as steel and concrete were much different than the natural materials such as straw and wood, and are also far less flammable and destructible.
-The styles went from big, rectangular prisms to long and tall skyscrapers. -
The Heian period-794 CE