Drawings of Engawa - A Staple of Japanese Architecture

Traditional Japanese architecture often features tatami (畳, lit. "straw mat") and engawa (縁側, lit. "edge side"). While the engawa is most often associated with a porch-like structure that lines the outside of some older Japanese homes, it can also be a strip of wood at the end of a tatami room.

That said, the veranda-like engawa can often be used as seating to enjoy looking out over the garden. Its position under the eaves largely means it’s sheltered from rain and snow too.

Check out the scenes below, and share your favorite with your friends!