| As a testament to the quality of ancient Japanese | | | | vertical. The structures had multiple stories |
| architecture, the oldest surviving wooden | | | | supported by columns made from cypress trees. |
| structures in the world are located in Nara, Japan. | | | | Thatched roofs were common as well as large |
| Of the 41 buildings constructed during the Asuka | | | | doors and windows strategically placed for the |
| period (538-710 A.D.) the most well-known are | | | | best viewing of external gardens or other natural |
| the Kondo (Golden Hall) and Goju-no-to (Five | | | | scenery. |
| story Pagoda). These were constructed as a | | | | Although Buddhism teaches impermanence, Shinto |
| private temple for the Prince Shotoku, a regent | | | | places importance on purity and youth. For this |
| and politician in the Asuka period. | | | | reason many Shinto shrines in Japan are rebuilt |
| Another well known archaeological site from | | | | every 20 years, often at great expense, to keep |
| ancient Japan is the Todaiji in Nara prefecture, | | | | them forever new and also forever ancient in |
| Japan. The Todaiji was built to function as the | | | | their original form. The Ise shrine in Mie, Japan |
| headquarters for regional temples built in | | | | was rebuilt in 1993 and is on its 61st iteration. It is |
| surrounding provinces. The Todaiji's main building is | | | | scheduled to be rebuilt in 2013. |
| the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) and is the | | | | The ancient Japanese may not have had access |
| largest wooden building in the world. Inside the | | | | to suitable stone for building, but they were able |
| Daibutsuden a 16.2m tall Buddha is enshrined. The | | | | to build long-lasting structures using wood. |
| current statue of the Buddha was built during the | | | | Although many famous castles and other well |
| Edo period (1603-1868) and only a few fragments | | | | known historical buildings were destroyed by fire |
| of the original remain. | | | | in Japan's history, there are many which are still |
| Buddhist Pagoda's in ancient Japan all shared similar | | | | standing today. |
| characteristics. The wooden walls were thin and | | | | |