Ohara’s Hosen-in (宝泉院)~Kyoto Traditional Architecture guide~

To say that the wooden post and beam structural system we often see in Japan is essential to Japanese architecture may be an understatement. Not only does it address the humidity issue that is so prevalent in the hot Japanese summer, the post and beam system also opens up the building, which in turn would make elements such as shoji, shitomido, and engawa all possible. It also contributes to the clean and simple images that we have for Japanese architecture.

Here in Ohara’s Hosen-in (宝泉院), located just outside of Kyoto, the post and beam structure is u​​sed to a great effect. Standing like picture frames, the structure skillfully frames the temple’s Japanese garden, bringing the outside in.