Japanese architecture is very different in story and composition to that of other country's historical architecture. The history of it, much like Japan's other art forms, is very well documented. Long influenced by Chinese architecture, it still has diverged far enough to be distinctly and richly its own.

Before the 1st century B.C., Japanese homes were very similar to homes all around the world at that time, constructed with wood frames, dirt floors, and thatched roofs. Around 57 B.C., a distinct Japanese architectural style began to emerge.

From this point in time to around the 7th century A.D., the Japanese took much influence from Korea. During the Chinese Han dynasty, the Japanese people began to interact more with the Chinese populace, where their technology and styles influenced them.

During this period, the Japanese people adopted the use of wood as the preferred building material. Stone was used sparingly due to the lack of suitable stones for construction because of the volcanic nature of the island country.

"Traditional" Japanese architecture usually refers to structures built during the Edo period, from the 1600s to the mid-1800s. After came the Meiji Restoration, which is marked by the rise of Western influences introduced to the architecture and a more modern style.