Bold, striking pillars and beams; a thatched roof built tough enough to withstand wind and snow; and a sunken hearth occupying the center of the room. In places throughout Japan, historic Japanese houses have stood the test of time, firmly rooted in the country's climate and topography and imbued with the wisdom of the pioneers whose ideas shaped the local architecture and way of life. There are numerous places in Kanagawa Prefecture where historic Japanese-style houses have been reconstructed and preserved with care. Here, we will take a tour of fascinating old-fashioned dwellings that have a way of inspiring feelings of nostalgia in who lay eyes on them.
