However, Japanese architecture has its own unique styles and designs. In the prehistoric periods, buildings were simple and made of wooden frames. Bamboo, cypress wood etc were used as construction materials. By the medieval ea, Buddhism began to exert its influence on Japanese culture and architecture. During the Heian period, several temples were built. These temples were characterized by the presence of a stupa and mandalas. Since the temples were erected in areas of uneven topography the architects resorted to the use of simple materials like cypress bark and wooden planks for the construction of these temples. In the Fujiwara period, buildings and homes were elegant and elaborate. Images of the Buddha were engraved in the houses of nobility.

During the Kamakura period (from 1185 to 1333) and Muromachi period (from 1336 to 1573), Japanese architecture was influenced by Chinese architectural styles. The buildings of this era were built on the basis of scientific and practical principles. They were designed to protect against heavy rainfall, withstand earthquakes and extreme temperatures and so on. Wood was still the primary construction material but this meant that many of the houses were destroyed by fire.

During the period of domoation y the Smanurai warriors, the architectural style in Japan was simple, sturdy and solid. The Samurai houses sport trenches and turrets. In the Muromachi period, the zen philosophy gained popularity and the simple and aesthetic zen style influenced a lot of the buildings constructed at this time. This was also the era when the tea ceremony developed. The buildings built in this era have an elaborate rustic cottage style tea house where guests can relax, discuss matters and have tea served to them. A major feature of the Azuchi-Momoyama period was the construction of castles. Castles which reach 80 to 100 feet are a characteristic feature of the medieval Japanese architecture.

These castles were built by noble families for use as bases. Castles usually has stone walls and the walls surrounding the castle had battlements or gun ports which were designed to defend the castle against attacking enemies. Many of the castles from this era still remain intact today. Few examples include Osaka Castle, Himeji Castle , Nijo Castle etc. Another architectural feature which developed during this time was the shoin. This served as a reception hall and study area. The architectural and art forms of Japan changed gradually with time and modern architecture is quite different from that of the medieval period.

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