Japanese Architecture - 日本建築
Japanese architecture was originally influenced by Chinese architecture from the Tang Dynasty, along with Korean architecture. It wasn't until around third century B.C. that buildings started to get larger and have more complexity. These buildings were built for the ruling family and rice storing. Also these large scale buildings were built for temples and schools. Before this time many homes were built with thatched roofs and dirt floors. The oldest japanese texts, such as Kojiki and Nihonshoki, don't mention architecture at all.
Horyuji - 法隆寺
Hōryū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple's full name is Hōryū Gakumonji which means Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law. The temple functions as a monastery as well as a school. Horyuji is known for being one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. The first temple was commissioned by Prince Shotoku around 607, but archaeologists say that it was likely burned to the ground by a fire. The temple was dedicated to the Buddha of healing, Yakushi Nyorai, along with the prince's father as a way of honoring him. When the temple was reconstructed around 711 it was reorientated to a northwestern position. The temple is made up of two areas. The Sai-in (西院) in the west contains the Kondo (Golden Hall) and the five-story pagoda. The Tō-in (東院) in the east contains the octagonal Hall of Dreams. The complex also contains monk's quarters, lecture halls, libraries, and dining halls.
The Pagoda - The five-story building is about 122 feet in height and is about 20x20 in width. The pillar is set three meters below the surface of the massive foundation stone, stretching into the ground. At the base of the pillar, a fragment of the Buddha's bone is enshrined. Around it, four sculpted scenes from the life of the Buddha face north, east, south and west. There is no way to get to the top of the pagoda, inside or out; the height is used only to inspire people.
HoryujiPagoda of Jigenin
The Pagoda of Jigenin is a typical pagoda from the Kamakura Period, built in 1271; believed to be established by priest Kukai during the 9th century.
Kinkakuji - 金閣寺
Kinkakuji (meaning The Temple of the Golden Pavilion) is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan during 1397. The temple was originally built as a retirement home for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu; it was only later that it became a Zen Buddhist temple. Kinkakuji (Kin meaning gold) is a three-story building with the top two stories covered with pure gold leaf. The pavilion houses relics of the Buddha. Many of the islands and stones on the pond (known as the Mirror Pond) represent the Buddhist creation story. The third floor was built in cha'an style, a traditional Chinese style. The second floor was built in the style of the warrior aristocrats. The first floor was built similar to the residential style of the Heian imperial aristocracy.
Ginkakuji - 銀閣寺
Ginkakuji (known as the Temple of the Silver Pavilion and also the Temple of Shining Mercy) is a Zen temple in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto, Japan. Ashikaga Yoshimasa inititated the plans to create the villa in 1460 and arranged for the property to become a Zen temple after his death. Kinkakuji was commissioned by Ashikaga's grandfather, and copied some of the aspects of the temple. It was known as Ginkaku (Gin meaning silver in Japanese) because it was going to be covered in a silver foil.
Matsumoto Castle - 松本城
One of Japan's finest historic castles, Matsumoto Castle is considered a National Treasure of Japan. The Castle is located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture and said to have been completed around 1593. A gun museum along with a collection of armor and other weapons are featured on the second floor of the main keep. For a period of time the castle was known as Crow Castle because it's black walls and roofs looked like wings.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle
