Private houses in Japan
Japanese Residential Houses
In modern Japan, there are two predominant models of residential houses: single-family detached homes and multi-family apartment buildings, which may be owned by individuals or corporations. Apartments in these buildings are typically rented out or provided to company employees. For unmarried individuals, there are other types of housing available, such as dormitories, which are popular among college students, as well as hostels and barracks used by police officers and other government employees.
Despite the rapid increase in the number of apartment buildings in Japan’s major cities during the post-war period, most modern Japanese still live in single-family houses. For instance, in Tokyo, apartment buildings make up about 65% of the city’s total housing stock. However, according to 2008 statistics, six out of ten Japanese people lived in single-family houses.
Land in Japan is very expensive, which contributes to the high population density and dense construction in the country. In cities, houses are often built very close to each other, sometimes with only a 50 cm gap between them, which is the minimum allowable distance. In suburban and coastal areas, this distance is significantly greater, around 4 to 5 meters.
The history of Japanese architecture shows that a safe house should be lightweight. As a result, the vast majority of private homes in Japan are frame constructions. Such structures are the most reliable compared to massive stone or brick buildings. The Japanese islands are known for their high seismic activity, as well as the threats of tsunamis and strong winds. Only lightweight frame houses can withstand minor earthquakes, and in the event of a major earthquake, they will collapse like a house of cards without causing fatal harm to the occupants.
A unique feature of Japanese homes is the absence of central heating, which is considered an unaffordable luxury. An exception is the northern region of Hokkaido, where the climate is harsher, with cold and snowy winters. Without heating, homes in Hokkaido would be uninhabitable. In the rest of Japan, homes are heated in the cold season with electricity or gas. Wealthier families use electric air conditioners, while those living more modestly heat their homes with infrared heaters, which consume little energy. This is why heated items like electric carpets or blankets are so popular in Japan. Many Japanese homes also have a kotatsu, which not only honors tradition but also serves as an essential means of keeping warm in a cold house. A kotatsu is a heated table consisting of a low wooden frame covered with a blanket reaching the floor, with a tabletop placed on top. Under the blanket, a heat source is located on the underside of the table. It is very convenient to keep your legs warm while eating, and in modern homes, Japanese people spend time under the kotatsu reading or even sleeping during the cold season.

In the field of construction and related areas, Japanese politeness and meticulousness are evident. Movers remove their shoes before entering the house and wrap furniture in special covers to prevent damage. Builders at a construction site also never wear outdoor shoes because they are in a house, even if it is still under construction. Many Japanese, when starting to build their homes, leave small gifts in their neighbors’ mailboxes, usually sweets, as an apology for any inconvenience caused.
Single-family homes continue to be actively built today. The architecture of modern private houses in Japan can be divided into several types.

Traditional Houses
There is still a significant number of traditional residential houses in modern Japan, used both for family living and for renting out. On popular tourist routes, owners of traditional houses often convert them into inns (ryokans). There are many such inns, for example, in Kyoto or near hot springs. The word “ryokan” in Japanese is written with two characters that mean “travel” and “building,” or “house for a traveler.”
Ryokans with a long history and located in scenic spots are especially popular among tourists. Staying in a ryokan allows one to enjoy traditional Japanese architecture and the refined simplicity of the interior, where the main decorations are a calligraphy scroll and ikebana. Moreover, guests can fully experience what it is like to live in such a house. By enjoying traditional Japanese cuisine (kaiseki), wearing a yukata, sitting on tatami mats, and spending the night on a traditional futon, one can learn many rules unfamiliar to Europeans but customary in Japan, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of this beautiful culture.
Ready-Made Family Houses from Large Companies
Companies that provide ready-made prefabricated homes are in high demand among Japanese families. This is very convenient: based on initial parameters (the size of the plot, its characteristics, and the features of the area where the house will be built), one can choose from numerous ready-made designs. The advantage of selecting from standard designs is quick construction. The house is built in a short time, within a few months, as it is assembled like a kit. Major Japanese companies, such as Daiwa House or Sekisui House, not only build houses and connect them to all utilities but also assist in maintaining the buildings throughout their lifespan.
Typically, homes built by large construction companies are highly earthquake-resistant, energy-efficient, and have minimal environmental impact. These wooden prefabricated homes are built on a metal frame, which adds strength and durability to the architecture.
Japan also has many smaller yet highly reliable construction companies. To decide on a project for a future house, Japanese people do not merely browse through colorful company catalogs. They also visit exhibition zones with already constructed samples of the most popular houses. One can enter each, examine everything, and touch it. Many firms even offer an overnight stay in a preferred house as a service, believing that this will help people finalize their choice. Of course, the famous Japanese individual approach to each client means that any standard design will be customized based on the customer’s personal preferences.



Private Houses in Large Cities Designed by Architects for Custom Projects
Architectural studios are approached for custom designs not only to create a house with unique architecture. Often, the reason is that the family has acquired a plot of land that is too small or irregularly shaped. Sometimes, the architect has to solve various problems that might make a particular plot seem unsuitable for residential construction. Often, the house is so closely surrounded by existing buildings that significant difficulties arise in arranging the entrance, windows, lighting, etc.
As a result, the architect has to work in two directions: first, to create an interesting, high-quality, and artistically impressive architectural piece designed for a minimal footprint; and second, to find a way to integrate the building into the existing environment, even when this is extremely difficult. In such cases, the projects usually involve small or very small residential houses.
Japanese architects say that working on micro-projects can sometimes be much more interesting than on large-scale structures. In a small volume, paradoxically, there are more opportunities to create a unique building. A small house is easier to make striking and individual, while considering the tastes and lifestyle of its future owners.
In recent years, many unique and highly interesting small private houses have been built in Japanese cities from an architectural perspective. In each small house project, the architect tries to find a counterbalance to the miniature living space. For this, all elements of the building are used to maximize the benefits of the micro-house and create an original and individual residence. It is fascinating that despite the complexities of designing houses on inconvenient plots, architects often consider the need for the house’s adaptability. This requirement enhances the quality of life in an overcrowded metropolis. Even for a family that wants to live in the house for its entire life, it must remain convenient and comfortable. Thus, the house should allow people to change and evolve with them. This is the case with the “Wedge-Shaped House” built in Tokyo (architect Masaki Endo). It initially included two types of spaces: those that would change or serve different functions over time and those that would remain constant throughout the house’s lifespan.
The dining room, kitchen, and bathroom are planned to fully meet the homeowners’ lifestyle and are not subject to change. However, “reserve space” was also created for future development. The first floor has a large studio workshop that can be repurposed for other uses or divided into several rooms. Climbing up to the top floor, one reaches a spare room similar to an attic, which serves as a retreat but is also intended as a guest or children’s room.
Despite the house’s living area of 34.5 square meters, it feels quite spacious. This impression is due to the partial absence of floors between levels. Separation is achieved through a thin structural mesh. According to the architect’s concept, the house’s owners should feel a direct connection between spaces, encouraging them to lead an active lifestyle.
The primary challenge in designing this house was its lighting. The building had to be placed on a narrow plot about 4.5 meters wide, closely surrounded by existing structures. The solution was a wedge-shaped design, with a wall sloped at a 45-degree angle that serves as a window. As a result, the interior is filled with sunlight during the day, and at night the house resembles a traditional Japanese lantern. This effect is enhanced by the white color used in the interior design. To shield the living spaces from prying eyes, screens can be lowered on each floor.



Ordering a custom home design from an architectural studio is always an expensive undertaking. Still, the results can sometimes exceed all expectations. Japanese architects are renowned for their ability to reveal the potential for change, create an appealing minimalist interior, and provide all the necessary functions of a modern, high-tech home, even in small spaces. Thus, a tiny house can become a significant architectural success.
Our talented Japanese architects collaborating with Ideologist+ can bring all your desires into life and create a house ideally suited to your lifestyle.
Houses and Villas on the Coast
Wealthy Japanese people can afford to buy land and build homes in the popular seaside resorts of their country. Generally, even such houses look quite modest by European standards. This is because land in popular coastal resort areas is extremely expensive, comparable to the cost of land in prestigious neighborhoods of Tokyo. Furthermore, the everyday needs of the Japanese are modest, and it is considered bad manners to display wealth openly. Anything overly extravagant is seen as unattractive. Nonetheless, homes situated on the coast are typically characterized by large panoramic windows and terraces. A common feature is also a garden arranged on the roof. It is considered an unaffordable luxury to have a garden next to the house due to the high cost of land.
Some villas are built not for permanent residence but for weekend getaways. Such retreats are typically enjoyed by wealthy residents of the Tokyo metropolis. For example, within an hour and a half drive from Tokyo, one can reach the prefectures of Ibaraki or Kanagawa, known for their beaches and scenic landscapes. In these coastal areas, you can find spacious villas built according to individual designs, offering views of the sea and mountains, surrounded by greenery.