What is Kominka?

The word Kominka (古民家) literally means an old house, and often refers to a Japanese traditional folk house. Although there is no official definition of kominka, the Japan Kominka Association categorizes buildings “built before 1950 using traditional architectural methods” as kominka.

Unique features can be found in kominka

Kominka has various ingenuity features that still fascinate people and add to homes’ value. One of them is their sturdy columns. Wooden columns used in kominka are solid and durable enough to support the whole weight of the house for over half a century. Architects choose trees that termites don’t like to eat, such as zelkova, chestnut and Japanese cypress trees, so that columns can remain for a long time. Besides supporting columns, the daikoku-bashira (大黒柱), meaning a central pillar, is another notable feature. As it is considered a guardian of the household’s wellbeing and a status symbol, the most expensive and beautiful wood is chosen for daikoku-bashira.

Another intriguing feature of kominkan is doma (土間). It is the entrance area that can be used for numerous purposes other than putting and taking off shoes. Doma are built at the same height as the ground outside, connecting the outside and the inside of the house. With its larger space than a typical modern entrance, doma have traditionally been used for cooking, working inside on rainy days and even buying and selling goods at merchant’s houses.

Last but not least, irori (囲炉裏) is a sunken kitchen that plays multiple roles at the same time. Irori, a traditional open fireplace fired with charcoal, keeps residential space warm and provides a place to grill, boil and bake food as well as a place for dining and welcoming guests. Moreover, the smoke generated in the fireplace covers the entire house including a thatched roof, making it less susceptible to corrosion and insect erosion.

Current situation and new trends of kominka

There are both light and dark sides in the current kominka situation in Japan. Like machiya, a large number of kominka have been abandoned and waiting to be demolished for the danger of collapse they pose. However, kominka have been revalued and gained lots of attention since social entrepreneurs appeared 15 years ago. And now, there are countless innovative and stylish cafes, restaurants and hotels in Japan, especially in the old capitals such as Kyoto, Kamakura and Nara, all housed in repurposed kominka.

Although the way to fascinate people changes over time, kominka have enriched people’s lives for many decades. Surrounded by the concrete jungle, kominka certainly offer an oasis for people who need a break and a deep breath.