In the traditional Japanese architecture, there are two architectural structure styles defined depending on how the main entrance is positioned relative to the roof's ridge. In the Hirairi style the entrance is located on the long, non-gabled side of the roof, while in the Tsumairi style the entrance is on the gabled side of the roof.
The building in today's photo, a farmhouse from the Edo period Kazusa province (today's Chiba prefecture) was built in the Hirairi style, with the entrance parallel to the long roof ridge.
Farmhouse, Boso no Mura Open Air Museum, Chiba EXIF info:
Nikon D90
Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6G
Focal Length: 8mm
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/800s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200