Remaining condition and design characteristics of Machiya in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Nagano

Regionwide basic survey by web mapping with a focus on the roof ridge direction

Abstract

The roof ridge direction of Machiya(traditional Japanese townhouses)may vary from one settlement to another, and furthermore, there is a tendency for number of Machiya houses to decrease year by year. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of Machiya clusters in each region. This study aims to elucidate the remaining overview of Machiya and the distribution of roof ridge orientation and exterior characteristics in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Nagano prefectures as part of a nationwide survey. Through investigation, it is found that the distribution of Machiya in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Nagano is mainly Yokoya.