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I got my first impression of Japanese culture through real-time strategy games, where choosing to play with the civilization meant getting disciplined units and sleek pagodas, and I've been a fan of them ever since.

Maybe it's my European tendency to romanticize far away places, but if you’re anything like me, the subreddit r/JapaneseArchitecture is a perfect stepping stone into that world, serving up everything from old temples to modern homes that feel very human, in the best sense of that word.

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#1

Meigetsu-In (1394) By Uesugi Norikata

Traditional Japanese architecture interior with circular window showcasing autumn foliage outside in a serene setting.

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davidpaterson avatar
David Paterson
David Paterson
Community Member
1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fascinating how they managed to darken the wall around the window.

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    #2

    Todoroki House In Valley By Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane

    Spacious living room with large glass windows and wooden interior showcasing modern Japanese architecture design.

    archineering Report

    8points
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    #3

    House N By Sou Fujimoto

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring open ceiling design, natural light, and minimalist outdoor courtyard with trees and wood decking.

    reddit.com Report

    6points
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    #4

    The Five-Story Pagoda Built In 1688 At Koushoji Temple In Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

    Traditional Japanese pagoda illuminated at night surrounded by trees showcasing unique Japanese architecture style.

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    6points
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    #5

    House In Nishinanaku, Okayama By Artbox

    Minimalist Japanese architecture interior with wooden ceiling and floor, large glass windows showcasing serene outdoor landscape.

    nakatoe Report

    5points
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    leeandalexis avatar
    Lee Gilliland
    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium     7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is all-out how you encounter nature.

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    #6

    Loop By Uid Architects

    Modern Japanese architecture interior featuring natural light, curved wooden desks, indoor plants, and minimalist design elements.

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    5points
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    #7

    House In Shirakawa

    Traditional Japanese architecture with thatched roof house surrounded by lush green fields and misty forest hills.

    nakatoe Report

    5points
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    #8

    Rental Space Tower By Sou Fujimoto

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring multi-level wooden structures with plants in a bright open space design.

    nakatoe Report

    5points
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    #9

    Nago City Hall (1981) By Elephant Design Group

    Concrete structures with intricate lattice patterns and greenery showcasing unique Japanese architecture design elements.

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    5points
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    ginnyjc avatar
    Never Snarky
    Never Snarky
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This it’s ugly. Everything else is beautiful.

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    #10

    Extend To Forest By Kengo Kuma

    Modern elevated house with glass walls illuminated at dusk, showcasing unique elements of Japanese architecture in a forest setting.

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    #11

    Nishimuraya Honkan In Kinosaki Onsen

    Traditional Japanese architecture with wooden house and serene garden featuring stone lanterns and lush greenery at dusk.

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    5points
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    dross97124 avatar
    Vasha
    Vasha
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    landscaping really sells it

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    #12

    Tsubo House - Arte-1 Architects

    Modern black building with large arched windows showcasing unique examples of Japanese architecture and design.

    Otherwise_Wrangler11 Report

    5points
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    marcorichter_1 avatar
    Floeckchen
    Floeckchen
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone forgot their booknook

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    #13

    Maekawa House (1942) By Kunio Maekawa

    Traditional Japanese architecture house surrounded by trees with wooden framework and sliding doors in a garden setting

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    4points
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    #14

    The Miyako Hotel (1959) In Kyoto By Togo Murano

    Traditional Japanese architecture featuring low wooden buildings, manicured gardens, and natural mountainous surroundings in spring.

    nakatoe Report

    4points
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    #15

    Plaza Of Kanagawa Institute Of Technology By Junya Ishigami

    Minimalist Japanese architecture featuring a spacious interior with geometric ceiling openings and natural light patterns.

    nakatoe Report

    4points
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    #16

    Amami House - Sakai Architects

    Modern Japanese architecture house with a large triangular roof surrounded by greenery and trees on a clear day.

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    4points
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    #17

    Sayama Cemetery Community Hall By Hiroshi Nakamura & Nap

    Modern Japanese architecture building with a sloped roof reflecting in surrounding water under a blue sky.

    archineering Report

    4points
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    #18

    Sunwell Muse Kitasando By Takato Tamagami And Tsutomu Hasegawa

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring curved concrete walls and illuminated wooden interior details at dusk.

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    4points
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    #19

    Department Of Art Science At Osaka University Of Arts By Kazuyo Sejima

    A modern, curvilinear building showcasing innovative Japanese architecture surrounded by trees and hills in the background.

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    4points
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    #20

    Tea Square Morihan In Kyoto, By Kentaro Takeguchi + Asako Yamamoto

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring wooden structures and minimalist outdoor courtyard with plants and seating area.

    nakatoe Report

    4points
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    #21

    Arai Ryokan In Shuzenji

    Traditional Japanese architecture featuring wooden structures surrounding a serene pond with outdoor seating area.

    nakatoe Report

    4points
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    #22

    Cloud Of Luster By Ktx Archilab

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring a glass-walled building with curved roof columns illuminated at night by the water reflection.

    nakatoe Report

    4points
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    #23

    House In Muko By Fujiwarramuro Architects

    Modern building with vertical architectural fins illuminated at dusk showcasing unique Japanese architecture design.

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    4points
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    #24

    This House Feels Luxurious Without Looking Expensive

    Traditional Japanese architecture nestled beside a forested river valley during early evening in a serene natural setting.

    Otherwise_Wrangler11 Report

    3points
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    #25

    House In Nakano - Hiroyuki Oinuma Architect & Associates

    Aerial view of modern Japanese architecture featuring unique circular garden design in a residential neighborhood.

    Otherwise_Wrangler11 Report

    3points
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    dross97124 avatar
    Vasha
    Vasha
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice greenery but parking space for only one car will be a disadvantage.

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    #26

    Cooperative House In Midorigaoka, Tokyo By Hitoshi Wakamatsu

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring clean concrete structures and a green courtyard under a bright blue sky.

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    3points
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    #27

    Photo Studio By Hiroki Tominaga-Atelier + Yae Fujima

    Minimalist bedroom interior with natural light and wooden accents, showcasing unique examples of Japanese architecture style.

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    3points
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    #28

    House In Karuizawa By Case Design Studio

    Modern Japanese architecture example of a minimalist house nestled among dense green forest and hillside.

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    3points
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    jr_15 avatar
    PrettyJoyBird
    PrettyJoyBird
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No walls or do they slide into hidden pockets?

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    #29

    House Om By Studio Monaka

    Modern interior of a minimalist home showcasing clean lines and natural light in Japanese architecture design.

    nakatoe Report

    3points
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    avelineroisseau avatar
    Aveline Roisseau
    Aveline Roisseau
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does a small stream run through the house on the right?

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    #30

    House In Gakuenmae By Fujiwaramaro Architects

    Minimalist Japanese architecture interior with wooden beams, round dining table, mixed chairs, and large vertical windows.

    archineering Report

    3points
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    #31

    Chichu Art Museum By Tadao Ando

    Minimalist Japanese architecture interior with concrete walls, stairs, and a reflective black sphere centered under natural skylight.

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    3points
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    #32

    Kyoto International Conference Center

    Modern interior space showcasing unique structural elements and seating, highlighting examples of Japanese architecture design.

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    3points
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    #33

    Kumamoto Prefectural Museum Of Art (1977) By Kunio Maekawa

    Interior view of Japanese architecture featuring large windows, brick flooring, and a garden visible outside.

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    3points
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    #34

    Shikatebukuro Annex, Saitama By Ikimono Architects

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring concrete structure with open staircase and large glass windows showcasing indoor and outdoor spaces.

    nakatoe Report

    3points
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    #35

    Omoken Park By Yabashi Architects

    Modern open-air space with wood and metal elements showcasing interesting examples of Japanese architecture in an urban setting.

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    3points
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    #36

    House In Maitamon By Tomohiro Hata

    Modern interior of Japanese architecture with wooden beams, large glass windows, and natural light in a serene setting.

    nakatoe Report

    3points
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    jr_15 avatar
    PrettyJoyBird
    PrettyJoyBird
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nothing in it! Is that a square hole in floor or glass bottom to let light below?

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    #37

    Weekend House Alley By Manabu Chiba

    Minimalist modern Japanese architecture with sharp angles and concrete surfaces under a clear blue sky.

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    3points
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    #38

    Tanimura Art Museum By Togo Murano

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring minimalist concrete structures surrounded by traditional Zen garden elements and greenery.

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    3points
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    #39

    This One Looks Like A “Gem”

    Modern angular Japanese architecture house with a compact orange car parked underneath on a narrow urban street.

    Otherwise_Wrangler11 Report

    3points
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    #40

    Glass Temple By Takashi Yamaguchi

    Modern minimalist Japanese architecture with clean lines and glass panels in a tranquil outdoor setting with greenery.

    reddit.com Report

    3points
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    #41

    Tree House By Mount Fuji Architects

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring a unique curved rooftop window amidst traditional residential buildings.

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    2points
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    #42

    Mountain House, Sisono (1991) By Toshiaki Ishida

    Modern minimalist house with open interior and wooden exterior surrounded by trees, an example of Japanese architecture.

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    2points
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    #43

    Kurasako Nursery School By Katsufumi Kubota

    Minimalist modern building featuring wood and glass elements showcasing Japanese architecture design principles.

    nakatoe Report

    2points
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    #44

    A-Shaped Lodge, Karuizawa (1960) By Kazumasa Yamashita

    A-frame Japanese architecture example with a triangular roof and wooden slats on a stone foundation surrounded by trees.

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    2points
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    marcorichter_1 avatar
    Floeckchen
    Floeckchen
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like the barn from "Midsommar"

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    #45

    Some Pictures I Took In Kyoto

    Traditional Japanese architecture with wooden house, tiled roof, and lush garden featuring bushes and a small pond at sunset.

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    2points
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    #46

    Musashino Art University Library By Sou Fujimoto

    Modern building with glass facade surrounded by trees showcasing unique and interesting examples of Japanese architecture.

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    2points
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    #47

    Poetic And Functional Minimalism In Modern Japanese House Design

    Modern example of Japanese architecture featuring a glass facade house with an outdoor staircase and interior lighting.

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    2points
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    jr_15 avatar
    PrettyJoyBird
    PrettyJoyBird
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Minimalism but the stairs are alot

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    #48

    Zig House/Zag House In Tokyo By Studio Nasca

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring a glass-walled house surrounded by autumn trees and a stone pathway in the garden.

    nakatoe Report

    2points
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    #49

    Curtain Wall House By Shigeru Ban

    Modern white building with flowing curtains and sharp angles, showcasing unique Japanese architecture design in an urban setting.

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    2points
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    jr_15 avatar
    PrettyJoyBird
    PrettyJoyBird
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this an art installation or someone actually lives there???

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    #50

    Ya-House By Kubota Architect Atelier

    Modern Japanese architecture showcasing a minimalist house with glass walls and cityscape views at twilight.

    nakatoe Report

    2points
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    #51

    Tato House By Tato Architects

    Modern open living area in a Japanese architecture home featuring minimalist design and large windows with city views.

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    2points
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    #52

    House In Takamatsu, Japan

    Minimalist modern Japanese architecture with clean lines and geometric shapes in a residential setting at dusk.

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    2points
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    #53

    Shin-Hakushima Station By Coelacanth And Associates

    Modern interior of a railway station showcasing unique circular skylights and elements of Japanese architecture design.

    reddit.com Report

    2points
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    #54

    21st Century Museum Of Contemporary Art By Sanaa

    Modern circular building surrounded by greenery showcasing unique examples of Japanese architecture in an urban setting.

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    2points
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    #55

    Jihoin Temple By Yukio Asari

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring a minimalist house with clean lines surrounded by natural elements and trees.

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    2points
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    #56

    Mukaitaki Ryokan In Higashiyama Onsen

    Traditional Japanese architecture building illuminated at dusk with wooden bridge and lush green forest in the background.

    nakatoe Report

    2points
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    #57

    Ovaless House By Shigeru Ban

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring curved glass walls and an open courtyard with trees under a clear blue sky.

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    2points
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    #58

    Japan Guide Dog Center By Chiba Manabu

    Minimalist interior with large windows showcasing Japanese architecture and a view of a mountain in the background.

    nakatoe Report

    2points
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    #59

    Nagano Olympic Stadium By Yuichi Saito And Rui Sekkei-Shitsu (1998)

    Futuristic stadium showcasing innovative Japanese architecture with curved concrete structures under a clear blue sky.

    archineering Report

    2points
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    #60

    Wacoal Building, Tokyo, By Kisho Kurokawa (1984)

    Modern white commercial building with circular vents and windows, showcasing unique Japanese architecture design elements.

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    2points
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    #61

    House In Koyoen By Tomohiro Hata

    Modern Japanese architecture interior with wooden arches, large windows, and natural light overlooking a cityscape view.

    nakatoe Report

    2points
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    #62

    Oita Prefectural Art Museum By Shigeru Ban Architects

    Spacious modern interior featuring unique wooden lattice ceiling, glass enclosure, and minimalist Japanese architecture design elements.

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    2points
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    #63

    Vault Roof House - Keisuke Kawaguchi + K2-Design

    Modern house with curved roof and wooden facade showcasing unique Japanese architecture design under clear blue sky.

    Otherwise_Wrangler11 Report

    2points
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    #64

    Dear Jingumae Building By Amano Design Office

    Modern building with curved metal slats creating wavy patterns, showcasing innovative Japanese architecture design.

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    2points
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    #65

    Museum Of Architecture By Toyo Ito

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring curved translucent roofs in a serene waterfront setting with mountains in the background.

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    2points
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    #66

    Sunnyhills At Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan. Architect: Kengo Kuma And Associates

    Unique wooden lattice structure in modern Japanese architecture blending traditional design with contemporary urban environment.

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    2points
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    #67

    House Tokyo - Junichi Sampei/ A.l.x

    Minimalist white building with sharp angles on a Japanese street showcasing modern Japanese architecture design.

    Otherwise_Wrangler11 Report

    1point
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    jr_15 avatar
    PrettyJoyBird
    PrettyJoyBird
    Community Member
    58 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is there windows on other side? Looks like a storage building.

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    #68

    House In Himeji By Fujiwaramuro Architects

    Modern minimalist Japanese architecture with a cubic wooden house featuring a centered window on a sloped street.

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    1point
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    #69

    Above The Wall By Masafumi Harigai

    Modern minimalist Japanese architecture with large open windows surrounded by greenery and natural landscape outside.

    nakatoe Report

    1point
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    #70

    Chanoma Cafe (2020), Tokyo, By Tsuyoshi Sudo

    Minimalist Japanese architecture interior with wooden beams, large windows, and a serene garden view in a traditional style.

    nakatoe Report

    1point
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    #71

    Oblomov Bar, Fukuoka (1989) By Shiro Kuramata

    Modern Japanese architecture interior with tall colorful light fixtures and minimalist furniture in narrow space.

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    1point
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    #72

    Airspace Tokyo By Faulders Architecture

    Minimalist interior with natural light from skylight, showcasing modern and interesting examples of Japanese architecture design.

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    1point
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    #73

    I-Mango By Takuro Yamamoto Architects

    Modern Japanese architecture example featuring a white minimalist house with wooden ceiling and open living space.

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    1point
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    #74

    Elevated House In Rokko By Tato Architects

    Modern elevated house with glass and metal structure showcasing unique Japanese architecture design.

    archineering Report

    1point
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    #75

    Aichi Prefectural University Of Fine Arts (1966) By Junzo Yoshimura

    Modern concrete building with sleek lines and artistic tile design, showcasing interesting examples of Japanese architecture.

    archineering Report

    1point
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    #76

    Week Building (1986) By Shin Takamatsu

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring concrete and red steel beams in an innovative and interesting structural design.

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    1point
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    #77

    Yoyogi National Gymnasium (1964) By Kenzo Tange

    Modern curved structure showcasing unique Japanese architecture design under a clear blue sky with a jet trail above.

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    #78

    Miyakonojo Civic Center, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture, By Kiyonori Kikutake (1966)

    Modern Japanese architecture with bold, angular concrete and steel design elements in a striking structural example.

    Imipolex42 Report

    1point
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    #79

    Crystal Brick House By Atelier Tekuto

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring a glass block facade with white accents and minimalist design elements.

    reddit.com Report

    1point
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    #80

    Okinawa Prefectural Museum By Ishimoto

    Modern Japanese architecture featuring unique perforated concrete walls under a clear blue sky in a green outdoor space

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    1point
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