This study aims at “Ro” architecture in Nara period. The research method used in this article is detailed study on both historical documents and existing buildings. There is a commonly-held view that people cannot go upstairs in pre-Kinkaku period. But some historical documents show that people went upstairs in Nara period.
This research has five conclusions. 1. It is defined that “Ro” architecture was (N-1) storied architecture with N-layers. 2. The important function of “Ro” architecture was to be seen in Nara period. 3. There were no floor on the first floor, that is to say, the first floor of “Ro” architecture was dirt floor. 4. The importance of “Ro” architecture was to go upstairs in Nara period. 5. “Ro” architecture built after Heian period lost its function to go upstairs.
