In the traditional Japanese house the rooms are intentionally not airtight, to allow free air circulation. Sometimes, to further increase the air flow, horizontal openings similar to an opened transom are created above the sliding doors.

Called ranma, these interior architectural elements can be simple dividers or lattice works, but inside the wealthy houses (like the one in the photo), the ranma is decorated with beautiful wooden carvings.

Farmhouse, Boso no Mura Open Air Museum, Chiba

EXIF Info:

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Weird architecture in Japan, Yagya Nagoya