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5 things Japanese houses don't have
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A random Japanese house.
Houses in every region of the world develop over the years to match the needs and functions of those who live there. What one culture might deem necessary, another may find frivolous, strange, or useless, or even dangerous. When visiting or living in a Japanese home, there are things that one from America will likely find lacking. The following list is note on what not to expect in Japanese homes, so as not to be so surprised when actually in them.
In alphabetical order:
Centralized heating and air conditioning – While large buildings may have some sort of centralized heating and cooling system, most Japanese houses do not. While this may be uncomfortable to some, the Japanese are accustomed to heating or cooling only the immediate space they are in. Heating and cooling unused areas is easily seen as mottainai, or wasteful, for both one’s money and the environment. To make up for no centralized heating and air conditioning, the Japanese have developed very good localized heating and cooling technologies.
Dryers – The Japanese still love to hang dry their laundry, whether they live in a large house or a small apartment. Dryers can be found, for instance at laundromats, but do not expect them in the average house. This is clearly another case of dryers being mottainai.
Heat insulation – As a general rule, do not expect insulation in Japanese houses. It is not a feature that seems to have gained great traction in home building, and is quite noticeable on cold winter mornings.
Lawns – While many Japanese houses have gardens, they do not have lawns. Land is expensive, and gardens are most aesthetically pleasing in small spaces. On a positive side, it reduces the need for a lawnmower.
Ovens – Traditional Japanese cooking does not call for oven baking in large casserole pans. Newer microwaves often function dually as ovens, but do not expect to be able to cook a large lasagna or a 20 lb Thanksgiving turkey in one.
If you have another item you wish were commonly in Japanese homes, let us know!
Related articles: 5 useful things Japanese houses have
Read more about Japan by the Japan Travel Examiner
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