Above the first roof there's a mound-like structure called kamebara ("tortoise belly"), finished with white plaster. If we ignore the covering, the remaining architecture is actually a stupa, protected against weather by the roof...
EXIF info:
Nikon Df
Lens: 24-70mm F/2.8G
Focal Length: 24mm
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/600s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 1000