Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings

Discover traditional Japanese homes and how their rooms and screens shape daily life

This nonfiction guide surveys the architecture and interiors of Japanese houses, from the quiet spaces of tea rooms to the practical design of kitchens. It explains how rooms are opened to light and air, how screens and curtains control privacy, and how furniture and fixtures reflect Japanese craft, materials, and everyday use. Rich in detail, the book reveals how a house’s layout, ceilings, and woodwork contribute to comfort, beauty, and function.

• Folding and portable screens, tsui-tate, and decorative screens with metal fittings and gold lacquer
• Bamboo curtains, noren, and cloth and beaded curtains used in doorways and kitchens
• Kitchen layouts, cooking ranges, water supply, and the relationship between rooms and gardens
• Tea-room design, tokonoma alcoves, and the way ceremony influences space

Ideal for readers of architectural history, cultural studies, and travelers curious about traditional design and daily life in Japan.